What must be assessed to ensure personal safety at a trauma scene?

To ensure personal safety at a trauma scene, the assessment of environmental hazards is crucial. Environmental hazards can include potentially harmful substances, structural instability, chemical spills, active hazards like fire or electricity, and biological risks that may be present in a trauma scene. Identifying and mitigating these hazards is essential for the safety of the technician and any responders on site.

While witness statements and victim reports are important for understanding the context of the scene and potential risks, they do not directly address the immediate physical safety of individuals present at the scene. Focusing on environmental hazards involves a proactive approach to identify and manage the threats posed by the scene itself, making it the most relevant factor for ensuring safety in a trauma situation.