Colorado POST Practice Exam

What should you do first upon arriving at an accident scene?

1. Call for backup

2. Secure the scene

3. Render first aid

4. Collect evidence

The correct answer is: Render first aid

Upon arriving at an accident scene, the first priority is to ensure the safety of all individuals involved, which includes securing the scene. This involves assessing the area for potential hazards, including traffic, fire, or unstable vehicles. Securing the scene helps prevent further accidents and protects both victims and emergency responders. In emergency response protocols, after securing the scene, the next step is to provide assistance to those in need, which typically involves rendering first aid. However, it's critical to first stabilize the scene to render aid safely. Without securing the scene, any attempt to provide first aid could expose responders to additional dangers or complicate the situation further. Thus, while rendering first aid is an important part of the response, it should come after ensuring that the scene is secure and safe for both the victims and the responders.