Scene size-up is an important step in emergency medical services (EMS) that helps to quickly assess the situation and determine the best course of action for providing medical care. It is a process of gathering information about the scene, the patient, and the environment to determine the best way to provide medical care. Scene size-up is an important part of the EMS process and can help to save lives.

Scene size-up begins with a visual assessment of the scene. This includes looking for any potential hazards, such as downed power lines, hazardous materials, or other dangerous situations. It also includes looking for any bystanders or other people who may be able to provide information about the patient or the situation.

The next step is to assess the patient. This includes looking for any obvious signs of injury or illness, such as bleeding, difficulty breathing, or other signs of distress. It also includes assessing the patient’s vital signs, such as pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

The final step is to assess the environment. This includes looking for potential hazards, such as a lack of oxygen or a hazardous environment. It also includes assessing the patient’s access to medical care, such as the availability of an ambulance or other medical personnel.

Scene size-up is an important part of the EMS process and can help to save lives. Therefore, it is important for EMS personnel to be familiar with the process and to be able to quickly assess the situation and determine the best course of action for providing medical care.

• National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. (2020). Scene Size-Up. Retrieved from https://www.naemt.org/ems-education/ems-basics/scene-size-up
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2020). Scene Size-Up. Retrieved from https://www.nhtsa.gov/emergency-medical-services/scene-size-up