Conducting a thorough assessment of the scene is important for many reasons.  Also known as a Scene Size Up, the fundamental goal is to prevent the problem from becoming worse and develop a plan of action.  

 

NASTY

Mnemonic for the Scene Assessment.

 

N- Number of patients. (Stop and Look around before committing to action)

A- Additional resources available/needed? (Build your team)

S-Safety Third!   (Continuous risk assessment and mediation)

T-Type of Problem (Mechanism and/or Medical Complaint)

Y- Your patients’ spine (What is the necessary amount of Spinal Motion Restriction?)