Which action should you take first to ensure safety before approaching a patient in a potentially hazardous environment?

• A. Identify hazards and ensure PPE before entering.
• B. Move patient to a safe location.
• C. Start CPR immediately.
• D. Glance around quickly.

Answer: (A)

In a potentially hazardous environment, your primary focus must be on scene safety and your own protection. Identifying hazards and ensuring you have the appropriate PPE before you enter protects you from exposure to risks such as bloodborne pathogens, chemicals, fire, structural collapse, or violent behavior, and it also enables you to deliver care effectively rather than becoming a second patient. Skipping this step and moving straight to the patient could put you and others at greater risk and may create more dangerous conditions. A quick glance isn’t sufficient to uncover all hazards or to determine the exact PPE needed, so a deliberate scene assessment and proper donning of protective equipment are essential before approaching. Once you’re protected and the scene is stabilized, you can proceed with assessment and care.