Steps to follow
- Scene safe.
- MOI / NOI.
- Number of patients.
- Additional resources.
- BSI = Body substance isolation.
- Gloves: always wear them.
- Eye protection: protect eyes from body fluids for cases with active bleeding.
- Surgical mask.
- HEPA or N-95 mask: for tuberculosis protection.
- Turnout gear.
- Never enter an unstable crash scene.
- Traffic safety and control.
- limit exposure to traffic.
- control traffic with flares or cones.
- wear reflective clothing.
- turn the wheels of your parked vehicle to point away from the scene (if someone crashes into it, you won't get run over by your own vehicle).
- Do not enter active crime scenes until it is under control by law enforcement. Take extra precautions if you suspect crime, or simply call for law enforcement.
- Take precautions for unstable surfaces and slopes.
- Ice: treat with sand, salt or gravel.
- Frozen lakes surfaces may break.
- Water: wear flotation device. Open water and moving water rescues require specialized training.
- Toxic substances / low oxygen caused by:
- Spill, leak, or fire.
- Confined spaces such as caves require SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus).
- Suspect toxic environment if everyone in the area suffer from similar symptoms.
- Scene control: tell crowds to step back. Introduce yourself to patients and always ask for their consent to any treatment. Be courteous, let patients know you are here to help.
- Maintain an escape route.
- If a scene turns hazardous at any point, leave.
MOI / NOI
- MOI = Mechanism of injury. For trauma patients.
- NOI = Nature of illness. For medical patients.
- Index of suspicion: your judgment of whether and how severely the patient is injured.
- The MOI is the basis for you index of suspicion.
- High index of suspicion for trauma patients include:
- Crashes and collisions.
- Look for signs and symptoms.
Number of patients
- Estimate the total number of patients involved. If it's more than your unit can handle, call for backup.
- Can your unit handle this? If not, call for additional resources.
- Additional EMS units.
- Law enforcement.
- Fire department.
- Hazmat team.