How should you make first contact with a victim?

Making first contact with a victim is crucial for establishing trust and understanding their needs during a potentially distressing situation. Reassuring the victim and introducing yourself creates a calm environment, which is essential for effective communication. This approach helps to alleviate panic or fear that the victim may be experiencing and sets a positive tone for the assistance you are about to provide.

An introduction helps the victim know who you are and that you are there to help them, fostering a sense of safety. Reassurance can also decrease anxiety, which is especially important when the individual may be in shock or confused about what is happening.

The other options do not establish an effective first connection. For instance, asking for medical history immediately may overwhelm the victim and not address their immediate emotional or physical needs. Jumping straight into first aid procedures without any interaction or reassurance can lead to distrust and resistance from the victim, hindering the assistance process. Allowing the victim to dictate the next steps may not be appropriate if they are disoriented or unable to assess their situation adequately. Thus, starting with reassurance and a proper introduction is the best practice for initial contact.