Scene Stabilization and Safety Precautions

Scene Stabilization

• Stabilize the incident once additional resources are on the way
• Observe the geographic area, identify roots of access and exit, note weather and wind conditions, and consider evacuation problems and transport distances
• The first arriving responder assumes command and begins using the Instant Command System

Safety Precautions

• Approach the scene cautiously
• Position the apparatus properly and assist specialized teams as needed
• Take into account the safety of emergency workers, patients, and other motorists
• Request road closures as necessary and provide a safe ambulance loading zone
• Establish staging areas away from the scene, and use larger emergency vehicles as a barrier
• Position apparatus at an angle to the crash to prevent being struck from behind
• Use only essential warning lights and law enforcement to control and coordinate traffic

Survey and Evaluation

• Begin with an Outer Circle survey to evaluate the surrounding area and identify life-threatening hazards
• Take measures to avoid or decrease hazards, and determine whether the situation is a search, rescue, or recovery
• Perform an Inner Circle survey on the heart of the incident once the Outer Circle is complete
• Conduct a 360° evaluation around the center of the incident if possible
• Establish three controlled zones: hot, warm, and cold

Zone Control

• Hot zone: for entry and rescue teams only, immediately surrounding the scene, and proportional to the hazards faced
• Warm zone: for trained and equipped personnel only, in decontamination and support to members in the Hot Zone
• Cold zone: for staging vehicles and equipment, and containing the command post

Hazard Considerations

• Use the Emergency Response Guidebook to identify IDLH environments and determine preliminary actions
• Consider isolation zones and provide information on approximately 4,000 chemicals
• Maintain a safe distance from electrical and other utility hazards, and shut off utilities in the rescue area
• Stabilize any motor vehicle involved in a crash before gaining access to the patient

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Consider visibility of PPE, Flame or Flash protective PPE, special Footwear, headgear, safety glasses, and other items
• Include binoculars, chalk or spray paint, compasses, first aid kits, whistles, handheld GPS, and light sticks

Instant Commander and Resource Management

• Manage resources and delegate tasks through the Instant Command System
• Track personnel on the scene, including identity, assignment, and location
• Restrict scene access to rescuers with specific assignments, and account for personnel

Patient Communication

• Attempt communication with the patient via radio, cell phone, or shouting if possible
• Stay in communication with the patient throughout the entire rescue
• Remain calm to calm the patient, as they may be injured, sick, or scared

Scene Stabilization

• Stabilize the incident after additional resources arrive
• Observe geographic area, identifying access and exit roots, noting weather and wind conditions
• First arriving responder assumes command, using the Instant Command System

Safety Precautions

• Approach the scene cautiously, considering emergency worker, patient, and motorist safety
• Position apparatus properly, assisting specialized teams, and requesting road closures as needed
• Establish a safe ambulance loading zone, staging areas away from the scene, and using larger vehicles as barriers
• Position apparatus at an angle to the crash to prevent being struck from behind
• Use essential warning lights, law enforcement to control and coordinate traffic

Survey and Evaluation

• Perform an Outer Circle survey to evaluate surrounding area, identifying life-threatening hazards
• Take measures to avoid or decrease hazards, determining if situation is a search, rescue, or recovery
• Conduct an Inner Circle survey on the incident's heart once the Outer Circle is complete
• Perform a 360° evaluation around the incident's center if possible
• Establish three controlled zones: hot, warm, and cold

Zone Control

• Hot zone: restricted to entry and rescue teams only, proportional to hazards faced
• Warm zone: for trained and equipped personnel only, supporting Hot Zone members
• Cold zone: for staging vehicles and equipment, containing the command post

Hazard Considerations

• Use the Emergency Response Guidebook to identify IDLH environments and determine preliminary actions
• Consider isolation zones, providing information on approximately 4,000 chemicals
• Maintain a safe distance from electrical and utility hazards, shutting off utilities in the rescue area
• Stabilize motor vehicles involved in a crash before gaining patient access

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Consider visibility, Flame or Flash protective PPE, special Footwear, headgear, safety glasses, and other items
• Include binoculars, chalk or spray paint, compasses, first aid kits, whistles, handheld GPS, and light sticks

Instant Commander and Resource Management

• Manage resources, delegating tasks through the Instant Command System
• Track personnel on the scene, including identity, assignment, and location
• Restrict scene access to rescuers with specific assignments, accounting for personnel

Patient Communication

• Attempt communication with the patient via radio, cell phone, or shouting if possible
• Stay in communication with the patient throughout the rescue
• Remain calm to calm the patient, who may be injured, sick, or scared

Learn about the steps to stabilize an incident scene and take necessary safety precautions. Identify key factors to consider and protocols to follow.