What is not included in a scene assessment?

A detailed vehicle assessment is not included in a scene assessment because the primary focus of a scene assessment is on the broader safety and situational factors that may affect the rescue operation. Scene assessments typically involve evaluating environmental hazards, observing traffic conditions, and estimating the number of victims present. This helps responders ensure safety and make informed decisions before engaging with the vehicle itself or its occupants.

Once the scene is deemed safe and the overall conditions are assessed, then a detailed vehicle assessment can take place. This assessment focuses on the specifics of the vehicle’s condition, structural integrity, potential entrapment scenarios, and hazards associated specifically with the vehicle. Therefore, while a detailed vehicle assessment is critical to the rescue operation, it is a subsequent step that follows the initial scene assessment.