What is the most common hazard first addressed at the scene of a motor vehicle crash?

• A. Traffic
• B. Fire
• C. Hazardous materials
• D. Debris

Answer: (A)

The main idea is scene safety through immediate control of traffic around the crash. Traffic is addressed first because moving vehicles around the scene pose the greatest and most frequent risk to responders, patients, and bystanders. If traffic isn’t managed, responders can be struck, victims can be hit again, and secondary crashes can occur, which hampers rescue efforts. By quickly establishing traffic control and shielding the scene with positioning, warning devices, and direction of vehicles, you create a safer environment for patient care and extrication. Fire, hazardous materials, and debris are important hazards too, but they are addressed after the scene is secured from ongoing traffic.