What is the very first step recommended immediately after safely removing an individual from the water during a submersion incident?
Answer
Check Responsiveness and Breathing
The initial focus of emergency care, once the victim is safely removed from the water and placed on solid ground, must be a rapid assessment following standard resuscitation protocols. The very first priority is determining the victim's neurological status by checking responsiveness and immediately assessing if they are breathing normally or only gasping. If the victim is unresponsive and not breathing normally, emergency services must be summoned immediately, and life support measures, specifically beginning CPR with an emphasis on rescue breaths, must commence without delay, as preventing irreversible brain damage hinges on the speed of oxygen restoration.
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