Which of the following situations immediately halts an assessment?

In trauma assessments, the presence of a scene hazard is a critical factor that can immediately halt an assessment. Safety is the top priority for both the responder and the patient. If there are risks such as fire, unstable structures, active violence, or hazardous materials, the rescuer must ensure the environment is safe before proceeding. This involves either securing the area, moving the patient to a safer location, or calling for additional resources to mitigate the hazard.

In contrast, situations such as an unresponsive patient, a present pulse, or adequate breathing do not necessarily require stopping the assessment. While assessing a patient who is unresponsive can present challenges, it doesn't halt the assessment—it suggests the need for advance care to maintain airway and oxygenation. Similarly, the presence of a pulse and adequate breathing indicates that the patient is stable enough to continue with the assessment, provided there are no other distractive hazards. Therefore, recognizing and addressing scene hazards is essential to ensure the safety of all involved before moving forward with medical evaluation and intervention.