Safety & Scene Management Flashcards

Before starting CPR, the universal first step in scene safety can be summarized as:

Answer: 'Is the scene safe for me, the victim, and bystanders?'

Confirming safety for yourself, the victim, and bystanders is the foundational first step.

You find an unresponsive person inside a running car in a closed garage. What is the immediate hazard?

Answer: Carbon monoxide poisoning

A running engine in an enclosed space produces deadly carbon monoxide that endangers the rescuer too.

When multiple victims are present, the process of prioritizing care by severity is called:

Answer: Triage

Triage sorts victims so limited resources go to those who can benefit most.

A bystander offers to help during a cardiac arrest. The best way to use them is to:

Answer: Assign clear tasks like calling 911 and finding an AED

Giving bystanders specific assignments speeds the chain of survival.

Why should you point to a specific person when telling someone to call 911?

Answer: Because pointing to one person avoids the bystander effect where everyone assumes someone else will act

Directing a single named person overcomes the bystander effect and ensures the call is made.

At an outdoor scene during a thunderstorm with lightning, you should:

Answer: Move the victim and yourself to a safer location if lightning is striking nearby

Active lightning is a lethal hazard, so relocate to safety before continuing care when possible.

Good Samaritan laws generally exist to:

Answer: Protect rescuers acting in good faith from liability when helping in an emergency

Good Samaritan laws shield well-intentioned rescuers from legal liability for reasonable aid.