During the scene size-up on a call for a patient with penetrating trauma due to a stab wound, which of the following should you do?
A) Collect anything that could be used as evidence.
B) Check for weapons on or near the patient.
C) Try to find out in which direction the assailant fled.
D) Assume that the patient has no weapons if law enforcement is on the scene.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Checking for weapons on or near the patient is important for scene safety and to provide information to law enforcement if there is a weapon still present. Collecting evidence and trying to find out in which direction the assailant fled are not within the scope of practice for EMS. Assuming the patient has no weapons because law enforcement is on the scene is not a safe or appropriate assumption to make.

During the Scene Size-Up on a Call for a Patient