01/24/2026
There are three questions regarding situational awareness when assessing safety before giving first aid care.
#1 what dangers are present? Bodily fluid potentially containing pathogens, broken glass, damaged wires etc.
#2 How susceptible are you to those dangers? What PPE you are wearing, how close are wires to the patient, if you have breaks on the skin of your hands etc.
How can you make the situation safer? Barriers yoy can use between your skin and an open wound, how hazards can be avoided etc.
Once these details about the situation have been determined, you will apply this information to your personal risk tolerance and make decisions based on the care you give.
Remember, you can be a hero but only as long as you are not a second victim.