Which action best ensures scene safety before patient care?

• A. Park a vehicle in front to block traffic.
• B. Evaluate the patient’s vitals.
• C. Ensure scene safety by identifying hazards before approaching patients.
• D. Start treatment on the first patient you see.

Answer: (C)

Scene safety comes first: you must identify hazards in the environment before approaching patients so you can protect yourself, your crew, and the patient. By scanning for dangers like traffic, spills, fire, downed power lines, unstable ground or structures, and by pulling in the right help to control those hazards, you create a safe path to work. Only once hazards are identified and mitigated should you move in to assess the patient and provide care. Focusing on patient vitals or starting treatment without first ensuring a safe scene can put everyone at risk, and attempting to block traffic with a vehicle isn’t a reliable safety step and can create new hazards or delay access.