Witnesses state a patient is unresponsive and not breathing after a vehicle collision.

Even in high-acuity situations, NREMT standards require EMTs to perform a scene size-up before patient contact. Scene size-up includes ensuring scene safety, determining the mechanism of injury, identifying hazards, and assessing the need for additional resources. Entering a scene without confirming safety places the EMT at risk and can result in additional victims.

Although the patient is unresponsive and apneic, EMTs must first confirm the scene is safe to enter. Only after scene safety is established should patient care begin.

Option B is incorrect because CPR cannot be initiated until the EMT has safely accessed the patient.

Option C is incorrect because airway maneuvers are performed after scene safety and patient access are confirmed.

Option D is incorrect because spinal stabilization occurs after initial access and assessment.

NREMT emphasizes: rescuer safety always comes first, even in life-threatening emergencies.