What step is necessary before providing care to lightning strike victims?

Ensuring the scene is safe is a critical step before providing care to lightning strike victims. This is because lightning can strike multiple times in the same area, and the risk of additional strikes or other hazards (such as downed power lines or fires) can pose a significant danger to both the rescuer and the victim.

By first confirming that the environment is safe, rescuers can protect themselves and ensure they are not placing additional lives at risk while attempting to provide assistance. It's essential to assess the situation thoroughly to avoid becoming another victim of the same incident.

The other steps mentioned, while important in the overall process of providing care, should follow the assurance of scene safety. For instance, checking for breathing, calling for help, and assessing for injuries are all critical components of effective emergency response, but they cannot be performed effectively if the rescuer is also in danger. Therefore, establishing a safe environment is foundational to any rescue operation.