In the shout-tap-shout rapid assessment step, how do you assess an adult or child compared to an infant?

The correct method for assessing responsiveness in both adults and children involves tapping the shoulder, which is a standardized approach. This method helps ensure that the person being assessed can be clearly evaluated for responsiveness without causing undue distress or injury.

In the case of infants, the technique differs slightly. The preferred method for assessing responsiveness in infants involves a gentle tap on the bottom of their foot, as infants are typically smaller and more delicate.

When it comes to using a loud shout, this is typically not appropriate for assessing infants, as infants may be startled by loud noises, which could lead to unintended distress. Shaking the shoulder is also not suitable for infants, as they need a gentler approach during any assessment.

Using a shoulder tap for both adults and children aligns with best practices in Basic Life Support, as it promotes a consistent method of assessment while ensuring the safety of the individuals involved.