Final answer:
The first step in an initial patient assessment is ensuring safety, followed by assessing patient responsiveness using the AVPU scale. Checking a patient's level of consciousness and establishing their orientation are crucial first actions in a primary survey.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step in conducting an initial patient assessment is to ensure the scene is safe and then to perform a primary survey to establish patient responsiveness. This would typically be followed by checking the airway, breathing, and circulation – often referred to as the ABCs. However, the absolute first action is to make sure that it is safe for the responder to approach the patient.
Once safety is confirmed, a healthcare professional should approach the patient to assess their level of consciousness using the AVPU scale, which stands for Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive. Checking the patient's orientation by asking questions such as 'Do you know what the date is?' or 'Do you know where you are?' or 'What is your name?' can also provide immediate crucial information about the patient's neurological status. These initial observations are vital for ensuring the correct next steps in the patient's care and for the assessment of outcomes.