When conducting a secondary assessment, what is one crucial step an officer must remember?

Conducting a head-to-toe assessment is essential during a secondary assessment because it allows the responder to systematically evaluate the patient for any injuries or medical conditions that may not be immediately apparent. This comprehensive approach helps in identifying potential hidden issues, such as internal bleeding, fractures, or other conditions, and ensures that no critical aspect of the victim's health is overlooked.

This thorough assessment typically involves checking the patient's head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, extremities, and back. By performing a detailed examination, the responder can gather vital information that may influence treatment decisions or inform emergency medical services of the patient's condition.

The other options do not provide the same structured approach and may lead to overlooking important signs of injury or illness. For instance, checking vitals first, while important, does not replace the need for a thorough physical examination. Moving the victim quickly could exacerbate injuries, and administering first aid immediately may not be appropriate without first assessing the situation to understand the nature and severity of any injuries.