When carrying out a situational assessment, it is important to identify the hazards. To do this:
- approach the scene of the accident with caution in order to assess potential hazards to emergency personnel and bystanders;
- identify those who may be exposed to the identified hazards and the number of victims. If necessary, speak to witnesses;
- Look around the victim, whilst keeping your distance from them, to assess whether there are any ongoing dangers that might threaten them.
Based on this initial assessment of the situation, those involved must:
- clearly, broadly and visibly mark out the area of operation or danger and prevent any unauthorised entry into that area;
- put in place the collective protective equipment provided;
- immediately and, where possible, permanently remove any surrounding hazards to ensure the safety of first-aiders, the victim and other people, particularly to prevent a secondary accident; if this is not possible or if there is a real and imminent danger to the victim, carry out an emergency rescue. Depending on the personnel available, all these actions may be carried out simultaneously.
In order to provide protection, those involved must use all the material resources at their disposal and, where necessary, seek the assistance of any other person who could help to implement such protection.