Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

2 PREmergency Scene Management

If you are not able to enter a scene safely, then you must make it safe. This could involve turning off an electrical circuit or having someone direct traffic. If you cannot make a scene safe, then do not enter it. If there is a risk to your health or safety, then you need to request appropriate assistance. In many cases this will mean activating 911 and maintaining a safe distance. A scene you thought was safe may turn unsafe very quickly. You must be prepared to withdraw from the scene as quickly as possible, protecting both yourself and your patient from further injury as much as possible. If you see potential danger from violence, then you should activate 911 and maintain a safe distance.

• Adverse weather conditions can cause heat and cold injury. • Electricity from wiring, downed power lines, or lightning storms can injure or kill. • Potentially toxic gases such as carbon monoxide may be present. The scene of a vehicle accident can be particularly dangerous. Traffic moving around the scene poses a danger to you, the patient, and bystanders. Broken glass and torn metal may be present. Dangerous fluids such as antifreeze, oil, and gasoline can cause slippery or toxic surfaces. Some hazards will be obvious and some may be hidden. It is important to assess carefully. Take steps to protect yourself and to protect your patient.

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