Title: Lesson 9-1 Scene Size-Up
Course: EMS 1119 Emergency Medical Technician > Section: Module IX Patient Assessment

Discuss and demonstrate scene size up and management in an emergency situation

At the end of this lesson and the associated lab activities students will be able to:

Cognitive Learning Objectives

- 9-1.1 Recognize and describe hazards/potential hazards at the scene
- 9-1.2 Determine if the scene is safe to enter
- 9-1.3 Discuss common mechanisms of injury/nature of illness
- 9-1.4 Discuss the procedures for multiple-patient situations
- 9-1.5 Explain why it is important for the EMT to determine the need for additional or specialized resources
- 9-1.6 List the minimum standard precautions that should be followed and PPE that should be worn at the emergency scene

Affective Objectives

- 9-1.1 Explain the rationale for crew members to evaluate scene safety prior to entering
- 9-1.2 Serve as a model for others explaining how patient situations affect your evaluation of mechanism of injury or illness

Psychomotor Objectives

- 9-1.1 Observe various scenarios and identify potential hazards

Reading

- AAOS 10e, Chapter 8:  pp. 248-315
- Limmer 12e, Chapter  10, 11, 12, 14, 15.  pp.  243-312, 350-379
- Chapters with relevant content:
AAOS 10e, Chapter 8
Limmer 12e, Chapters 10, 11, 12, 15

Scene Safety Example

Policeman Exposed To Anhydrous Ammonia

Dash camera video of law enforcement approaching traffic crash scene with hazardous material gas leak resulting in him being rendered unconscious and progresses into respiratory collapse. The incident occurred in southern Illinois and involve anhydrous ammonia. Anhydrous ammonia is a commonly produced industrial chemical.  At room temperate, it is colorless and has a pungent suffocating odor.  It combines readily with water forming ammonium hydroxide which is a caustic solution (alkaline base). Inhalation exposure will cause burring of eyes, nose, throat and respiratory passages. The odor provides early warning. However, expose to gas or ammonium hydroxide destroys cell membranes and causes massive damage to respiratory function. Note that the exposure time in this event was less than 20 seconds to render the police officer unconscious and in respiratory collapse.