What should be assessed first when arriving at the scene of a medical emergency?

When arriving at the scene of a medical emergency, the safety of the scene is the top priority. Assessing the safety of the environment ensures that you, your team, and the patient are not in immediate danger from hazards such as traffic, fire, chemicals, or unstable structures. If the scene is unsafe, attempting to assist the patient could lead to additional injuries or complications for you and your team.

After ensuring that the scene is safe, attention can then turn to assessing the mechanism of injury, the patient's vital signs, and available resources to provide appropriate care. Proper prioritization of scene safety is crucial in emergency medical services and sets the stage for effective patient assessment and treatment.