ELEMENTS OF SCENE SIZE UP UPON ARRIVAL ON THE SCENE

Scene size-up is a critical aspect of emergency response and involves a systematic

assessment of the scene upon arrival. It helps first responders quickly gather
information to ensure their safety, the safety of others, and the efficient delivery of care.

The elements of scene size-up include:

1. Scene Safety:
• Prioritize safety for yourself, your team, and bystanders.
• Identify and address immediate hazards, such as traffic, fire, or dangerous
substances.
• Wait for appropriate authorities (police, fire) to secure the scene if necessary.

2. Mechanism of Injury or Nature of Illness:

• Determine how the injury or illness occurred.
• Assess the mechanism of injury in trauma cases.
• Consider the nature of the illness or complaint in medical cases.

3. Number of Patients:
• Identify the number of individuals requiring assistance.
• Assess whether additional resources are needed based on the number of
patients.

4. Request Additional Resources:

• If necessary, request additional assistance, such as more first responders,
ambulances, or specialized units.
• Communicate effectively with dispatch to convey the nature and severity of the
incident.

5. Location:
• Determine the exact location of the incident.
• Note any specific challenges related to the location, such as difficult access or
potential environmental hazards.

6. Access and Egress:

• Assess how you and emergency vehicles can access the scene.
• Identify potential exit routes for evacuation or transportation of patients.

7. Need for Specialized Resources:

• Recognize the need for specialized resources, such as hazardous materials
(HAZMAT) teams or technical rescue teams, if applicable.

8. Potential Hazards:
• Identify any hazards present, including environmental dangers, fire, or the
presence of hazardous materials.
 • Consider the need for personal protective equipment (PPE).

9. Bystanders:
• Assess the behavior of bystanders.
• Request assistance from capable bystanders if needed.
• Consider crowd control if a large number of onlookers are present.

10. Initial Assessment of Patients:

• Conduct a quick visual assessment of patients to identify obvious life-threatening
conditions.
• Determine the priority of care based on the severity of injuries or illnesses.

11. Consideration of Mechanism of Injury (Trauma Cases):

• In trauma cases, consider the mechanism of injury to anticipate potential injuries
and plan appropriate care.

12. Weather Conditions:

• Take note of current weather conditions and consider their impact on patient
care, access, and safety.

13. Availability of Assistance:

• Determine if any off-duty or non-emergency personnel are available to assist.

14. Law Enforcement Presence:

• Assess the presence and actions of law enforcement at the scene.
• Coordinate with law enforcement to ensure a safe and secure environment.

15. Additional Information:

• Gather any additional information provided by bystanders or witnesses that may
aid in understanding the situation.

16. Communication Plan:

• Establish a communication plan for effective coordination with other first
responders and emergency services.

A thorough scene size-up helps first responders make informed decisions, prioritize
actions, and ensure a safe and efficient response to emergencies. It is an essential
component of the initial assessment upon arrival at an incident scene.