What is the first step to take when dealing with an electrocuted patient lying under a power line?

When managing an electrocuted patient lying under a power line, the primary concern is ensuring safety before providing any medical assistance. The first step involves assessing the situation to determine if it is safe to approach the patient. This entails verifying that the power line is not live; approaching a patient in an unsafe environment can lead to further injury or electrocution to both the patient and rescuers.

Once it is confirmed that the power line is not live, you can proceed to check the patient’s condition without risking your safety. This assessment allows for the identification of any immediate life-threatening issues and prepares you for next steps, such as managing airway and breathing or beginning CPR if required.

Other actions, while relevant in the context of patient care, are secondary to the critical first step of ensuring safety. Without confirming the power line's status, any movement or attempt to care for the patient could result in additional harm to rescuers or the patient. Therefore, the correct approach prioritizes safety measures that must be observed in a potentially hazardous environment.