Scene Size Up
What is the purpose of sizing up a scene?
The purpose of sizing up a scene is to save time later, prevent further harm to yourself and the patient, and reduce the risk of overlooked injuries
What does HAZMATS stand for?
Hazardous Materials
What is the first step in establishing a patient's breathing status?
Check for chest rise and fall
What are some questions to ask a patient to determine what occurred?
Does the patient look sick/injured?
Noticeable mechanism of injury?
Are they awake?
Are they breathing? Bleeding?
What’s their approximate age?
What is the role of a dispatcher?
They will let you know what to expect, what PPE is appropriate, and any potential hazards on the scene
What are three examples of PPE?
-glove, protective eyewear, mask, gown
What are the locations where you can check a patient's pulse?
Carotid arteries in the neck
Radial arteries in the wrist
Brachial arteries in the upper arm
What is the best position to put a patient in to keep the airway open?
Place patient in recovery position to keep airway open
What are some examples of how you should use your senses when assessing a scene?
Listen to unusual sounds - explosions/crackling sounds
Use your sense of smell - detect any unusual or unexpected odors (gasoline/chemicals)
Observe the scene - traffic, unstable structures, downed electrical lines, leaking fuel or fluids, smoke or fire, broken glass, swift-moving water, explosions, toxic gas exposure
What are some personal safety measures you should pay attention to?
Location of the emergency
Extent of the emergency
Apparent scene dangers
The apparent number of injured or ill people
Behavior of the patient and any bystanders
How long should you check a pulse before starting resuscitation?
If no pulse is found after 10 seconds, start resuscitation immediately
For an unconscious Patient: Assess airway with patient lying face-up
What are some ways you can control the scene?
Traffic - assign someone to redirect and keep an eye out for traffic, places cones, and reflective equipment
Crowds - stay calm, walk, potentially set up a barrier
What is the first step you should take when you arrive at an Emergency Scene?
- Take time to evaluate the scene (recognize existing and potential dangers)
When should you administer supplemental oxygen?
If patient is:
Unresponsive
Hypoxic: has pale, clammy, cool, moist skin; sign of inadequate oxygenation
Cyanotic: patient is not receiving adequate oxygen; mouth, lips, and nailbeds appear blue
Shallow breathing
Breathing is slowing down
What does the P in AVPU (acronym to help describe responsiveness of a patient) stand for ?
Painful: Patient who only responds to stimuli that inflicts pain; doesn’t respond to verbal stimuli or commands
What are the four guidelines once you arrive at an emergency scene?
Take time to evaluate the scene (recognize existing and potential dangers)
Wear appropriate PPE for the situation (advocate for appropriate PPE)
Do NOT attempt to do anything you are not trained to do (know what resources are available to help)
Get the help you need by notifying additional personnel (be prepared to describe the scene and the type of additional help you require)
What are the 4 situations that may require an emergency move?
Situations that may require an emergency move include:
The presence of explosives or other HAZMATs (gas leak/fire)
The inability to make the scene safe (building to collapse)
The need to get other patients who have a more serious problem to provide the appropriate care
When it is necessary to provide appropriate care (CPR on a flat surface)
What should you do if a patient suddenly stops breathing?
Administer 2 ventilations before starting CPR; use a resuscitation mask
What are two possible interventions that could be performed when an airway becomes obstructed?
Finger sweeps to remove solid objects from mouth or suctioning of fluids