The first step in providing care for a human trafficking victim is:

Ensuring scene safety is the foremost step in providing care for a human trafficking victim. This is crucial because the safety of both the victim and the responder must be prioritized before any other interventions can occur. If the scene is unsafe, there is a risk of further harm to the victim or potential harm to emergency responders. Ensuring scene safety allows EMTs and other first responders to assess the situation without the immediate threat of violence or other dangers.

By securing the environment, responders can then engage with the victim in a safe manner, assess their medical needs, and provide necessary care, without the interference or intimidation of the trafficker. Once safety is established, other important steps can follow, such as separating the victim from their trafficker, notifying appropriate authorities, and providing medical attention. The focus on scene safety underscores a fundamental principle in emergency care: that medical interventions cannot be effectively or safely performed without first securing a safe environment.