5-1 Check for Responsiveness

The first step is to check for responsiveness.


  • Gently shake or tap the casualty on the shoulder.
  • Watch for a response. If the casualty does not respond, repeat the previous step.
  • If the casualty is conscious, ask where he or she feel different than usual or where it hurts. Repeat the step above.
  • If the casualty is conscious but is choking and cannot talk, stop the evaluation and begin treatment. (See the task Clear An Object From The Throat Of A Conscious Casualty, task number 081-831-1003).