To maintain personal safety, what should EMS personnel look for while evaluating blast victims?

• A. Move quickly to access patients without checking for threats.
• B. Rely on bystanders for hazard information.
• C. Watch for secondary devices while assessing patients.
• D. Focus solely on life-threatening injuries and ignore scene safety.

Answer: (C)

In blast incidents, keeping yourself and others safe is the priority, so you must actively look for secondary devices as you approach and begin evaluating victims. Secondary devices are a real risk that can be placed after the initial explosion to cause additional harm; spotting signs, maintaining a safe stance, and coordinating with law enforcement to secure the area prevents another blast and protects both responders and patients. This approach also allows you to perform patient care without becoming another casualty.

Rushing in without assessing for threats increases danger to you and bystanders. Relying on bystanders for hazard information is unreliable and can miss subtle threats. Focusing only on injuries and ignoring scene safety puts everyone at greater risk.