What action should you take first when responding to a drowning victim?

When responding to a drowning victim, the first action should be to remove the person from the water quickly. This step is crucial because a victim who is submerged in water is at an immediate risk of further inhalation of water and potential loss of consciousness. By removing the victim from the water, you reduce these risks significantly and create a safer environment for administering any necessary further care.

Once the individual is out of the water, you can then assess their condition, such as checking for a pulse and breathing or performing CPR if needed. However, the priority is ensuring the victim is safe and out of the hazardous situation before proceeding with any assessments or treatments.

In typical emergency response protocols, securing safety (removing the person from the water) always precedes further medical evaluation or intervention, as acting quickly can make a substantial difference in the victim’s chances of recovery.