What should a dental hygienist do first when encountering an emergency situation with a patient?

When encountering an emergency situation with a patient, the primary focus of a dental hygienist should be to assess the situation and provide necessary first aid. This step is crucial because it allows the hygienist to evaluate the severity of the emergency, understand the patient's immediate needs, and determine what interventions may be required to stabilize the patient.

By assessing the situation first, the dental hygienist can make quick decisions regarding the appropriate course of action. This may include initiating basic life support measures, calling for advanced medical help if necessary, or providing reassurance to the patient. Being proactive in this step ensures that the patient receives timely care, which is critical during emergencies where every second counts.

While other actions, such as checking the patient’s medical history or requesting assistance from another hygienist, may be important later in the process, they are secondary to the immediate need to address the patient's condition. Prioritizing first aid and assessment reflects the importance of patient safety and effective emergency response protocols in a clinical setting.