Chapter 12: Scene Size Up Flashcards
scene size-up
The EMT’s initial evaluation of a scene to which they were called
3 basic goals of a scene size-up
1) identify possible hazards, ensure your safety, your crew’s safety, patient safety, and bystander safety
2) identify what led to you being called to the scene
3) determine whether any factors might require a call for extra assistance
scene size-up steps
1) take necessary Standard Precautions and put on other PPE
2) evaluate scene for safety hazards
3) determine the injury mechanism (MOI) or nature of illness (NOI)
4) determine number of patients at scene
5) determine need for additional resources
personal protective equipment (PPE)
any type of equipment that you put on to reduce your risk of personal injury or illness
scene safety
assessment of a scene to ensure the well-being pf the EMTs, their patient or patients, and any bystanders
overriding principles of scene safety
1) do not enter unstable crash scenes
2) managing pts at crash scenes or on roadway/highway makes the EMT at extreme risk of being struck by moving traffic
3) take extra precautions at crime scenes, suspected crime scenes, scenes involving volatile crowd situations (wait for police)
4) bring portable radio when you leave the ambulance
5) call for help from appropriate agencies
6) remove yourself if a scene turns hazardous
assessing a crash scene
1) is vehicle stable
2) if vehicle is not stable can you make it stable or do you need help
3) are power lines involved (consider all power lines to be energized unless told otherwise)
4) does jagged metal/broken glass pose a threat or can it be avoided
5) are there any undeployed airbags
6) is fuel leaking, is an ignition source nearby
7) is there fire
8) are hazardous materials involved
swimming pools
use a PFD and a line/pole to assist the rescuer and patient to the pool’s edge, untrained EMTs should not attempt a water rescue alone
open water
open water rescue requires training and equipment, it is a specialized technique, EMTs should always wear PFDs and never wear boots or heavy clothing in water
moving water
currents make swimming difficult or impossible, need adequate resources
when to suspect toxic substances or low-oxygen enviroments
1) spills, leaks, fires
2) confined spaces
3) multiple patients with similar symptoms
killing zone
the area controlled by hostile fire, around a house it is about 120° in front of it, not static and always subject to change
precautions to follow when approaching a potentially unstable scene
1) walk on grass for a quieter approach
2) hold flashlight beside you to avoid making your body a target
3) walk single file with partner, second person should carry the jump kit
4) only the first person in line should carry a flashlight
5) make a mental map of possible concealment places and cover, scan dark and shadowed areas for movement
6) look and windows and corners
7) stand to the side of a door when you knock on it
8) assess situation when door opens to decide whether to retreat or to enter, leave doors open to ensure escape
controlling the scene
1) provide light
2) consider moving furniture
3) consider moving the patient
4) maintain and keep open an escape route
5) pay attention to bystanders
6) control the scene or the scene will control you
7) stay calm
8) use tact and diplomacy
8) be flexible
9) be open-minded
10) be alert
11) be compassionate toward the people you have been called on to serve
controlling the scene
1) provide light
2) consider moving furniture
3) consider moving the patient
4) maintain and keep open an escape route
5) pay attention to bystanders
6) control the scene or the scene will control you
7) stay calm
8) use tact and diplomacy
8) be flexible
9) be open-minded
10) be alert
11) be compassionate toward the people you have been called on to serve
