Which component is the initial evaluation of the environment before patient contact?

• A. Spinal Motion Restriction
• B. General Impression
• C. Number of Patients
• D. Scene Size-Up

Answer: (D)

Scene size-up is the first step you do when you arrive at a scene. It focuses on the environment and safety before you contact the patient. You assess for hazards (fire, traffic, unstable structures, weapons, hazardous materials), verify that it’s safe for you and bystanders, determine how many patients you may have, and identify what resources or assistance you’ll need. This sets up a safe approach and informs your plan for care, making it essential to perform before touching anyone.

Spinal motion restriction is a patient-care action taken after you’ve established scene safety and begun assessment when a spinal injury is suspected. General impression is the quick overall assessment of the scene and patient once you arrive and begin evaluation, which comes after ensuring the scene is safe. The number of patients is something you determine as part of the scene size-up, not a separate environmental check.