What is the first action you take as part of scene size-up in a vehicle crash?

• A. Immediately start extricating victims without scene assessment.
• B. Ignore hazards and focus on vehicle stabilization.
• C. Ensure personal safety and establish scene control by identifying hazards and summoning additional resources if needed.
• D. Wait for advanced life support crew before assessing hazards.

Answer: (A)

Scene size-up begins with personal safety and scene control. Before touching any patient or vehicle, quickly assess the area for hazards such as fuel leaks, fire risk, unstable vehicle position, traffic, and weather conditions, then establish barriers, wear proper PPE, and call for additional resources if needed. This groundwork protects you and your partner, creates a safe access path, and sets the stage for a planned, methodical approach to extrication. By identifying hazards first, you can tailor the stabilization and tools you’ll use, reducing the chance of aggravating injuries or creating new ones. Jumping straight into extrication without this assessment can expose responders and victims to evolving dangers, while focusing only on stabilization without addressing scene safety misses critical risks. Waiting for specialized teams before assessing hazards delays rescue and allows hazards to change, increasing risk and reducing overall effectiveness of the response.