During the trauma assessment of a vehicle accident patient, what should the rescuer prioritize?

In the trauma assessment of a vehicle accident patient, prioritizing the patient's ABCs—Airway, Breathing, and Circulation—is critical because these elements are essential for determining the immediate viability and overall condition of the patient. The ABCs help in quickly assessing any life-threatening conditions that may require immediate intervention, such as ensuring the airway is clear and unobstructed, breathing is adequate, and circulation is stable.

In traumatic scenarios, the priority is to secure these vital functions as they directly impact the patient's survival. Effective management of airway, breathing, and circulation can prevent further deterioration and allows for timely intervention. Once these essentials are ensured, the rescuer can then move on to assessing vital signs, securing the perimeter, or packaging the patient, but the initial focus must always remain on maintaining and monitoring the patient's ABCs.