What safety measure is essential when approaching patients at an explosion scene?

• 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 an explosion scene, scene safety is the top priority, and you must continually screen for secondary devices as you approach and assess patients. Explosive events can be followed by additional threats designed to injure responders, so you can’t proceed as if the area is safe after the first blast. While you perform the rapid assessment and triage, stay alert for suspicious packages, secondary devices, or other hazards, and if one is suspected, back away to a safe distance and coordinate with law enforcement or explosive ordnance disposal before continuing care. This protects you, your partner, bystanders, and patients, and it prevents triggering another blast. Moving in quickly without checking for threats endangers everyone; relying on bystanders for hazard information is unreliable; and focusing only on injuries while ignoring the scene safety violates the fundamental approach to emergency response.