Managing the Scene Safely
A first aider must always assess the scene first.
You cannot help others if you put yourself in danger.
Steps to Managing the Scene Safely
Pause and look for danger before approaching
Traffic, electricity, fire, chemicals, unstable structures
Remove hazards if safe to do so or move away
Use PPE such as gloves if available
Keep bystanders away and control the scene
Common Scene Hazards
Traffic
Moving vehicles or delivery areas
Electricity
Live cables or damaged equipment
Fire or heat
Burn risk or smoke inhalation
Chemicals
Spills, fumes or hazardous substances
Unstable structures
Risk of collapse or falling objects
If a scene is unsafe and cannot be made safe, the first aider must not enter and should call for emergency help.
A worker collapses near moving machinery. The first aider stops the machinery and isolates the power before approaching the casualty.
What hazards might you encounter in your workplace before providing first aid?
Scene safety always comes first.
A first aider must assess hazards, protect themselves and others, and only provide first aid when it is safe to do so.