When arriving at the scene of an incident it is important to gather as much information as possible which can be gained through visual clues and speaking with the casualty and any bystanders. Information about the history of the incident and the injuries or illness that the casualty is suffering will help you to prioritise your treatment. You must always ensure that it is safe to approach the scene and the casualty without putting yourself in danger.
The first piece of information that may prove useful could be the casualty’s:
Name and age
If you do not know the casualty ask their name
Ask the casualty their age or try to determine their age as this will assist you in providing appropriate care for their age group
If the situation is not life-threatening to the casualty then you should assess their condition by looking at the following:
History
Ask the casualty or bystanders what happened. It is useful to know when and where the incident occurred or when they became ill
Examine the environment for obvious signs relating to the incident, for example they may be lying next to a fallen ladder
Ask the casualty if they have any ongoing illnesses or conditions. Are they in pain? Has this happened before? Where does it hurt?
If they are suffering an illness ask if any family members or co-workers know about their condition or required medication
Signs
What can you see?
Can you see bleeding?
How responsive are they when spoken to?
Use all your senses. Can you smell chemicals? Can you hear machinery malfunctioning? Does the casualty feel hot or cold?
Consider the environment you are in, for example is it outdoors and cold? Is there heavy machinery or chemicals nearby?
Symptoms
How does the casualty feel? Are they in pain? Where does it hurt?
How is the casualty acting? Are they shivering or perhaps vomiting?
Monitor the casualty to see if their symptoms change over time
Gathering as much information as possible is crucial for prioritising your first aid treatment and for informing the emergency services when they arrive. Always ensure the scene is safe for both you and the casualty while collecting this information.
If the casualty is unresponsive your priority is to immediately start the primary survey and check the casualty is breathing.