Final answer:
To assist a responsive victim, observe your surroundings for the bystander effect, provide direct help if possible, or inform an authority figure to ensure the victim gets the necessary assistance.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you encounter a situation in which someone may need help, it is important to follow certain steps to ensure that the victim receives the necessary care. Observing your surroundings is crucial to determine whether the bystander effect is preventing others from assisting. The bystander effect is a social psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present. The assumption is that someone else will take action. This can lead to situations where no one intervenes, sometimes with catastrophic results.
To counteract the bystander effect, take direct action if you are able to provide assistance. If the victim is responsive and does not require additional care, reassure them and ensure they are safe. However, if you are not in a position to assist, promptly inform an adult or authority figure who can provide help. It's always better to act rather than to assume that someone else will step in.