When a resident falls, what is the first step in the incident reporting process?

• A. Complete an incident report
• B. Notify family
• C. Ensure immediate safety
• D. Review risk factors

Answer: (C)

When a resident falls, the immediate priority is to ensure safety. The first action is to check the resident’s condition, look for injuries, and stabilize them so no further harm occurs. This includes assigning help, keeping the resident still if injury is suspected, ensuring airway and breathing are okay, and providing comfort while you assess needs. Only after the person is safe and urgent medical needs are addressed should you move on to the reporting steps. Completing an incident report, notifying family, and reviewing risk factors are all important, but they follow the initial safety and medical assessment. This sequence protects the resident first and then documents what happened and how to prevent recurrence.