To evaluate hazards present at the scene and determine the number of patients, you should:

• A. perform a 360° walk-around of the scene.
• B. survey only the primary patient.
• C. use a secondary observer to assess hazards.
• D. call for additional resources.

Answer: (A)

The most important step is a full scene size-up through a 360-degree walk-around. This complete sweep lets you observe hazards from every angle—front, sides, and behind obstacles—so you can identify dangers like traffic, downed power lines, fire, hazardous materials, and unstable structures. It also helps you spot all patients, not just the one who’s clearly visible, so you can accurately assess how many are injured and what level of resources you’ll need. Starting with this broad view sets the plan for safety, access, egress, and the required equipment and personnel.

Relying on only the primary patient can miss hidden hazards and other victims, and while having a secondary observer can aid the process, it isn’t a substitute for the initial, comprehensive walk-around. Calling for more resources is essential in many scenes, but it doesn’t by itself reveal hazards or determine patient numbers. The 360-degree survey is the foundational step that informs everything else.