Final answer:
The initial step before assessing a victim is performing a bystander assessment to ensure safety. Calling emergency services and gathering information from witnesses are subsequent important steps.
Step-by-step explanation:
The initial step that should be taken before assessing the victim is to ensure your own safety and that of the victim by performing a bystander assessment. This includes observing your surroundings to identify any potential danger and making sure it's safe to approach. After confirming safety, the next steps would typically include calling emergency services if necessary, and then administering first aid once conditions are deemed safe. However, it is essential not to ignore the significance of gathering information from witnesses, as it can provide valuable context to the emergency services and inform the approach for first aid.