Which item is NOT one of the eight steps for evaluating a casualty?

• A. Temperature
• B. Responsiveness
• C. Breathing
• D. Pulse

Answer: (A)

In a quick casualty evaluation, the focus is on life-supporting functions and getting immediate information that changes what you do right away. You rapidly assess responsiveness to see if the person can communicate or respond, then check breathing to know if they are ventilating adequately, and then assess circulation by feeling for a pulse and watching for signs of circulation. These steps guide urgent actions—opening the airway, delivering rescue breaths, or starting chest compressions if needed, and quickly spotting severe bleeding or signs of impaired consciousness. Temperature isn’t part of this rapid sequence because it doesn’t change the immediate life-saving actions you must take in the first minutes. You may note temperature later as part of a broader secondary assessment, but the eight-step rapid evaluation concentrates on responsiveness, breathing, and pulse to address the immediate threats to life.