A 56-year-old female has struck a tree. What should be your first concern when assessing her condition?

When assessing a patient who has experienced trauma, such as striking a tree, the primary concern is ensuring that the airway is open and maintained. In trauma situations, especially in adults, there is a high risk of airway compromise due to potential unconsciousness or altered mental status resulting from injuries.

If the airway is not protected, the patient can quickly become unable to breathe effectively, leading to hypoxia and other serious complications. Therefore, prioritizing airway management is critical in trauma care protocols.

While checking for spinal injuries is important, especially in cases of significant impact, the immediate threat to life from airway obstruction takes precedence. Providing oxygen support is also vital, but it is only effective if the airway is clear. Administering CPR is only necessary if there is no pulse or breathing, which is a separate concern. Hence, maintaining an open airway is the first step in ensuring the patient’s survival and facilitating further assessments and interventions.