First Response requires which actions?

• A. Provide medical attention, document in detail the elder's condition, and report to appropriate authority
• B. Evacuate the premises immediately
• C. Notify the elder's family before medical help
• D. Wait for police to arrive before taking any action

Answer: (A)

In an elder-in-distress situation, the priority is to stabilize and protect the person right away. The first response requires providing any needed medical attention, promptly and within your training, to address immediate threats to life or health. Along with care, you should accurately document the elder’s condition—noting symptoms, injuries, changes, and the times they occurred or were observed—so that medical responders have a precise picture and so you have a reliable record for later reports or investigations. Finally, you must report the situation to the appropriate authority under policy and law, which may involve notifying adult protective services or law enforcement depending on the circumstances. This sequence—care, documentation, reporting—ensures the elder’s safety, supports proper medical treatment, and triggers any required protective or investigative actions.

Evacuating the premises might be necessary if there’s an immediate hazard like a fire, but it isn’t the default first response in a medical or welfare emergency. Notifying the elder’s family before medical help can delay critical care and isn’t typically required or appropriate in the immediate response. Waiting for police to arrive before taking action delays care and assessment, which can worsen outcomes.