Which of the following is a key component of scene size-up a COPR EMR should perform before approaching a patient?

• A. Only perform primary survey after approaching the patient.
• B. Start CPR without assessing the scene.
• C. Ensure scene safety, assess hazards, determine number of patients, request additional resources if needed, and put on appropriate PPE.
• D. Focus solely on patient history without PPE.

Answer: (C)

The important idea here is that before you approach a patient, you must first assess the scene to protect yourself and others and to plan the response. This scene size-up includes making the area safe, identifying any hazards, determining how many people need help, calling for additional resources if needed, and putting on the appropriate PPE. Doing these steps first helps prevent becoming a second victim, ensures you’re not missing other patients or hazards, and prepares you to deliver care safely and efficiently.

That’s why the option describing a comprehensive scene size-up—checking safety, identifying hazards, counting patients, requesting help, and donning PPE—is the best fit. It contrasts with the other ideas, which either skip safety considerations, jump into treatment without preparing the scene, or ignore PPE and hazards.