Question

Upon arrival on a scene, your first responsibility is to ____.

A. begin care of the patient
B. size-up the scene
C. evaluate for spinal immobilization
D. gown/glove up for patient care

Answer 1

Upon arrival at a scene, a first responder's primary responsibility is to size-up the scene to ensure safety before providing any patient care. This includes checking for potential hazards and donning personal protective equipment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first responsibility upon arriving at a scene is to size-up the scene. This is a crucial step before beginning any direct patient care. The size-up process involves ensuring the scene is safe for yourself, your team, and the patient. It includes assessing any potential hazards, such as fire, toxic substances, or the potential for violence. Only after confirming the scene is safe should a responder consider patient care, including evaluating for spinal immobilization or any other necessary interventions.

Once the scene safety is established, the responder should use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gowns and gloves, to maintain personal safety and infection control during patient care. This protocol helps in maintaining a high standard of healthcare safety and ensuring the wellbeing of both the patient and the healthcare providers.