On arriving at an emergency scene, what is your first responsibility as an EMR?

• A. Make Sure The Scene Is Safe
• B. Immediately Start CPR
• C. Call For An Ambulance Only
• D. Check The Time

Answer: (A)

The first thing to do when you arrive is verify that the scene is safe for you and others. This quick scene size-up protects you from becoming a second casualty and allows you to provide care without added risk. While assessing the patient and deciding what to do next, you’ll be looking for hazards like traffic, fire, chemicals, unstable structures, or aggressive bystanders, and you’ll don appropriate PPE if needed.

Once the scene is confirmed safe, you can proceed to assess the patient, decide on urgent actions (such as beginning CPR if indicated), request additional help, or move to addressing other priorities. Starting CPR or calling for an ambulance are important steps, but they only come after you’ve established that you can work safely and approach the patient without exposing anyone to further harm. Checking the time isn’t the immediate priority in the moment you first arrive, since safety and initial patient assessment guide what to do next.