When approaching a scene of a trauma incident, what is your first order of business?

The first order of business when approaching a trauma scene is ensuring scene safety. This critical step involves assessing the environment to identify any hazards that may threaten the safety of responders and bystanders. If the scene is not safe, no effective care can be provided to the patient. Ensuring safety includes looking out for potential dangers such as traffic, fire, unstable structures, or violent individuals.

In trauma care, scene safety is paramount because it allows healthcare providers to work without the risk of physical harm, ensuring that they can focus on patient care rather than personal safety. Once the scene is deemed safe, providers can proceed with other vital interventions such as airway management, spinal precautions, and infection control measures. Addressing scene safety first establishes a secure environment for both the patient and the rescuers, significantly impacting the overall outcome of the incident response.