There is a drive among EMS providers to render aid as quickly as possible and while that goal is admirable it can get you into trouble. As a result, on scenes where a size-up is most important, there are likely one or more patients who could really use your help. Communicate early, communicate oftenĪs a general rule, EMS providers entered the industry to care for the sick and injured. Practicing a scene size-up on every call and broadcasting it when necessary helps to standardize your size-up and keep you sharp for an incident when that information is important. On incidents where you suspect you may need additional resources, provide the size-up over the radio so your next EMS units know what to expect. If you find something, make a note of it. While you certainly don’t need to provide a scene size-up over the radio for every medical call, practice surveying the scene for hazards, a general impression and ingress and egress routes on every call. As a result, the next-arriving apparatus has a good idea of what to expect and what tasks to accomplish when pulling up to the scene of a fire or other significant incident.
Often these assessments are standardized throughout the department. Whether for a structure fire or a motor vehicle collision, chances are the company officer will provide the same type of information in the same order every time. If you’re sitting at post or clearing a call, listen in to your fire department colleagues on their radio frequency.
Many new EMS providers are advised to perform their history and physical exam the same way every time to reduce the chance of missing a portion of the assessment. Standardization is one of the common ways to increase safety and reduce the chance of an error. What are your scene size-up tips? (Photo/Greg Friese)
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