What is the first step in assessing a patient's airway?

Assessing a patient's airway begins with checking for responsiveness and ensuring that the airway is open. This step is crucial because, before any further interventions, it is vital to determine if the patient is alert and capable of maintaining their own airway or if assistance is needed.

Checking responsiveness helps gauge the patient's level of consciousness and can indicate how well they can protect their own airway. If the patient is unresponsive, the next priority is to ensure that the airway is clear of obstructions (such as vomit, blood, or foreign bodies) and that it can be maintained through proper positioning or maneuvering, such as the head-tilt-chin-lift or jaw-thrust maneuver, depending on the scenario.

Administering oxygen, beginning chest compressions, or performing a head-tilt maneuver are all important components of patient care but come into play only after ensuring the airway is open and responsive. Without first establishing a clear airway, other interventions may not be effective. Thus, ensuring the airway is open stands as the foundational step in emergency airway management.