New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Exam

Immediately upon your arrival at the scene of a traumatic injury, what should be your priority?

1. Quickly gain access to the patient

2. Observe the scene for safety hazards

3. Determine if additional units are needed

4. Carefully assess the mechanism of injury

The correct answer is: Observe the scene for safety hazards

Observing the scene for safety hazards is the top priority upon arrival at the scene of a traumatic injury because ensuring the safety of yourself, your team, and the patient is critical before any other actions can be taken. This assessment involves looking for potential dangers such as traffic, fire, broken glass, or other environmental hazards that could cause harm. If the scene is not safe, it poses a threat to everyone involved, and it may hinder your ability to provide care effectively. Once you have ensured that the scene is safe, you can then proceed to gain access to the patient, assess their condition, and determine the necessary care. Understanding the mechanism of injury can provide valuable information about the potential injuries sustained, but it should not overshadow the importance of ensuring safety first. Finally, while determining if additional units are needed is essential for managing resources, it typically occurs after assessing the immediate safety and condition of the environment and the patient.