When accidents happen, and you are the first responder it is very important to "Check The Scene For Safety". Is the scene safe? Are you placing yourself at unnecessary risk? This is particularly important when discovering a victim in an industrial, maritime or construction setting, or a traffic accident.
In every Northwest Response class students run scenarios and they all include "Checking The Scene for Safety". Very rarely does someone look up, its almost always side to side... Look Up!
In shipyards, construction sites, and even accidents around the home may involve a falling injury, and if so, whats still hanging over head? Ladders, man-lifts, cranes, all manner of items could be precariously perched just feet above your head. 60% of all well intentioned rescuers become victims, don't become a victim.
Check the Scene...Look up, down and all around.
Thomas Bliss Northwest Response
