What is the first priority when dispatched to a male patient down with unknown reason?

• A. Maintain/establish airway
• B. Control external bleeding
• C. Apply oxygen
• D. Obtain vital signs

Answer: (A)

The first thing being tested is prioritizing the airway. When a person is down with an unknown cause, you must ensure the airway is open and protected before anything else. If the airway is blocked or at risk of becoming blocked, oxygen cannot reach the lungs and brain, and rapid deterioration can occur. So you immediately assess and establish a patent airway: check responsiveness, use a head tilt–chin lift if there’s no suspicion of spinal injury, or a jaw-thrust if spinal injury is possible; clear secretions or vomitus with suction; place an airway adjunct if appropriate and ventilate with a bag‑valve mask and high‑flow oxygen. Once the airway is secured and you’re ventilating effectively, you can move on to assess breathing, circulation, and other priorities.