The first step is to check for responsiveness.
- Gently shake or tap the casualty on the shoulder.
- Watch for a response. If the casualty does not respond, repeat the previous
step.
- If the casualty is conscious, ask where he or she feels different than
usual or where it hurts. Repeat the step above.
- If the casualty is conscious but is choking and cannot talk, stop the
evaluation and begin treatment. (See the task Perform First Aid to Clear
an Object Stuck in the Throat of a Conscious Casualty, task number 081-831-1003.)