What must you do before administering compressions in BLS?

Before administering compressions in Basic Life Support (BLS), it is crucial to ensure the scene is safe and assess the victim's responsiveness. This step is necessary to confirm that it is safe for you to approach the victim without putting yourself or others in harm's way. By assessing the scene, you can identify any potential hazards, such as traffic, fire, or electrical risks.

Additionally, assessing the victim's responsiveness—by tapping them gently and shouting—determines whether they need immediate care. If the victim is unresponsive, it indicates a critical situation requiring immediate action, such as starting CPR. This initial evaluation is fundamental to ensure that you can proceed safely with providing care and that appropriate emergency response actions, including calling for help or activating the emergency response system, can be taken.

This process sets the stage for effective intervention and can have a significant impact on the outcome of the situation.