Scene Safety

Every EMS call begins with scene safety. In fact, it starts long before you ever respond. It begins with your training. Any EMS provider who has ever taken an EMS course or certification exam knows the term “BSI, Scene Safe”. If that little phrase is not verbalized before performing the patient assessment, it’s an automatic fail. That is because scene safety is the very first priority when responding to any emergency and it's extremely vital in your role as an EMS provider. Although EMS providers have an obligation to treat sick or injured patients in a timely manner, they are of no use if they become a patient as well, because they did not ensure that the scene was safe before entering. 

     The first order in managing any scene is to gather as much information as possible. This can be initially accomplished by the dispatcher, who tries to obtain as much vital information as they can from the reporting caller. Train yourself to scrutinize any information you receive, and keep yourself on alert for information that makes you feel unsafe. Beware of calls with the potential to be threatening such as stabbings, shootings, domestic disturbances, or person-down calls. If you are suspicious about a call or the information you receive from dispatch, you have the right to ask for a police response. Do not feel like you are less of a provider if you wait for the police to clear the scene first. Most agencies have policies where EMS crews must stage in a safe area in cases involving overdose, violence, or behavioral issues until police have deemed the scene is safe to enter. We always recommend following your local protocols.

     Regardless of whether the police are on scene or not, EMS providers should always approach an emergency scene with a high level of suspicion and pay close attention to obvious or subtle indications of threats to the safety of the scene. 

     Standard safety procedures, such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), high-visibility apparel, and vehicle placement are all important factors in scene safety. However, it is not enough to just ensure the scene is safe once as if checking something off a list. Emergency scenes are dynamic. While the scene might be safe at one moment, it could change in a matter of seconds. It is important to continually assess possible hazards to maintain a safe operating environment. Once initial scene safety is established, situational awareness must then take over. Situational awareness requires you to be attentive to what is going on around you 100% of the time.

     We have a limited ability to control what occurs in any scene. The only controllable factor is you. Be aware of what you say, where you stand, and what you touch, and never let your guard down.