SCENE SAFETY As the first person or one of the first people to encounter an injury situation, you may want to do what you can to help those that are injured. The problem is that doing so can endanger your life as well. This applies to terrorist/shooter situations, fires, workplace injuries, and motor vehicle accidents. You cannot help someone if you get killed or injured yourself. Let’s take a look at the main reasons why first responders get injured at a scene: A. Body motion injuries—this is the number one reason why people who render first aid get injured. It happens when trying to lift or move the victim at the scene or from rescue efforts that injure the rescuer as well. Don’t try to move a victim without help and pay attention to body mechanics when doing the move. Don’t move a victim unless it is absolutely necessary. B. Exposure to dangerous substances—this is the second most common injury. It involves exposure to substances like blood or body fluids and from inhalation injuries at the scene of a fire or industrial incident. C. Falls and trips—in the chaos of an injury incident, it can be easy to get carried away and fall. Stay aware of both the surroundings and the terrain so you don’t become a casualty in the act of trying to rescue someone. D. Motor vehicle incidents—this involves trying to work on someone while on a roadway where gawkers are not paying attention as they drive by. This especially happens on busy roadways or in situations where you’re trying to help a victim in poorly lit areas. As a pedestrian on a roadway, you will be in danger. E. Assaults and violence— Victims you are trying to help may become combative or violent while you are trying to help them. Just be aware that these people are scared and sometimes confused so you cannot trust them to be completely calm and cooperative.
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