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DISCLAIMER:
The information contained in this document has been compiled from sources believed to be reliable at the time and is presented here as a study aid and for general information use only. This information is not intended to replace or supercede the information or procedures outlined in your first aid textbook, other officially issued study materials or government published acts or legislative documents.
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publication, the authors are not responsible for any loss, liability, damage or injury that may be suffered or incurred by any person in connection with the information contained on this site, or by anyone who receives first aid treatment from a reader or user of this information. |
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Scene Survey:
Every emergency is different, so the amount to be done in each of the steps that will follow may vary. |
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Assess hazards and make the area safe – Your safety comes first! If you cannot enter the area without risking your safety, don’t do it, call Emergency Services immediately and wait for them. If you think you can safely enter the area, look around the emergency scene for anything that can be dangerous or hazardous to you, the casualty or anyone else at the scene. Do whatever you can to make the area safe as long as the result will not be more hazardous or more of a risk to people at the scene. Bystanders can help with making the area safe. |
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Take charge of the situation – If you are the first aider on the scene act fast. If someone is already in charge, briefly introduce yourself and see if that person needs any help. If there is any chance the casualty could have a head or spinal injury, tell them not to move! |
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Get Consent. Always identify yourself as a first aider and offer to help. Always ask for consent before touching a conscious adult casualty and always ask for consent from a parent or guardian before touching an unconscious or conscious child or infant. With an unconscious adult casualty consent is implied as it is generally accepted that most people want to live. |
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Assess Responsiveness. Is the casualty is conscious or unconscious? Note their response while you are asking them for their consent. If they respond continue with the primary survey, and if they don’t respond, be aware that an unconscious casualty is or has the potential of being a breathing emergency. |
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Call out for help – this will attract bystanders. Help is always useful in an emergency situation. Anytime you need help just call out. Someone can be called over to phone for medical help. Others can bring blankets if needed, get water etc. A bystander can help with any of the following:
- Make the area safe
- Find all the casualties
- Find a first aid kit, or any useful medical supplies
- Control the crowd
- Call for medical help
- Help give first aid, under your direction
- Gather and protect the casualty’s belongings
- Take notes, gather information, be a witness
- Reassure the casualty’s relatives
- Lead the ambulance attendants to the scene of the emergency
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| You must always notify Emergency Services as soon as you can. Either send a bystander or call yourself. Emergency professionals never get involved in an emergency scene without back-up and neither should you. |
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