Unit 1: Scene Size-Up and Safety
Scene Safety & Hazard Recognition
Prepare for the EMT exam with this free study guide lesson on scene safety and hazard recognition. You’ll learn how to perform a scene size-up, identify potential hazards, and protect yourself and others during an emergency response. Read through the lesson, review the key concepts, and then answer the five NREMT practice questions at the end to test your understanding. Each question includes a detailed answer explanation to help you prepare for the EMT certification exam.
Scene safety is one of the most important responsibilities of an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Before approaching a patient, you must identify potential dangers and determine whether the scene is safe to enter.
Your safety comes first. If you become injured while responding to an emergency, you may be unable to help your patient and could become another victim.
Scene Size-Up
The scene size-up begins when you receive information from dispatch and continues throughout the emergency call.
As you approach the scene, look and listen for anything that could threaten the safety of responders, patients, or bystanders.
Common scene hazards include:
- Traffic: Moving vehicles, poor visibility, and unstable accident scenes.
- Electrical hazards: Downed power lines and exposed electrical equipment.
- Fire and smoke: Flames, toxic gases, and unstable structures.
- Hazardous materials: Chemical spills, leaking containers, and unknown substances.
- Violence: Weapons, aggressive individuals, and threatening behavior.
- Environmental hazards: Severe weather, unstable terrain, and extreme temperatures.
- Animals: Unrestrained dogs and other potentially dangerous animals.
Never assume a scene is safe simply because another responder or bystander is already present.
Approaching an Unsafe Scene
If you identify a serious hazard, do not enter the scene until it is safe.
Move to a safe location, notify dispatch, and request the appropriate assistance. Depending on the situation, this may include law enforcement, firefighters, utility workers, or a hazardous materials (HazMat) team.
For example, if you arrive at a motor vehicle accident and see a downed power line touching a vehicle, remain at a safe distance. Do not approach the vehicle until qualified personnel have addressed the electrical hazard.
Similarly, if a patient is located inside a building where an assault is occurring, wait for law enforcement to secure the scene.
Recognizing Changing Hazards
Scene safety is an ongoing responsibility. Conditions can change after you begin treating a patient.
For example:
- A damaged vehicle may catch fire.
- A previously calm individual may become violent.
- A structure may become unstable.
- Traffic may create new hazards around an accident scene.
Continue monitoring your surroundings while providing patient care. If conditions become unsafe, withdraw to a safe location and request assistance.
Protecting Patients and Bystanders
EMTs must also recognize hazards that could threaten patients and members of the public.
Whenever possible, keep bystanders away from dangerous areas, avoid exposing patients to additional hazards, and coordinate with other emergency personnel to maintain a safe working environment.
Do not attempt to control a dangerous situation beyond your training, equipment, or authority.
Key Tip
Never enter an unsafe scene to reach a patient. Identify the hazard, move to a safe location, and request the appropriate resources. Scene safety must be reassessed throughout the call.