What is the primary method for signaling that a victim requires help?

Yelling for help or waving arms is considered the primary method for signaling that a victim requires assistance because these actions are immediate and can effectively attract the attention of nearby bystanders or rescuers. The auditory cue of yelling is loud and can carry over distances, while waving arms provides a visual signal that can be seen from a distance. This method relies on the instinctive human response to recognize sounds and movements, which can prompt people to respond quickly to assist.

In contrast, throwing an object toward bystanders may not effectively communicate the urgency of the situation, as it could easily be overlooked or misinterpreted. Using a flashlight or noise maker can be helpful in certain conditions, such as nighttime or noisy environments, but they are often secondary to the more direct forms of signaling like yelling and waving. Writing messages on a surface is less practical in emergency situations, especially if time is of the essence, and may not be seen promptly. Therefore, yelling or waving arms remain the most effective and immediate ways to signal for help.