Mastering AFA Scene Assessment with Calgary & Edmonton Fire Departments.

The safety of the AFA and the team is the top priority. Before entering the scene, the AFA should carefully assess for potential hazards, such as traffic, fire, hazardous materials, or violence. This may involve observing the scene from a safe distance to determine if it's safe to approach. If there are any immediate dangers, the AFA should take appropriate precautions, such as wearing PPE, using caution signs, and calling for assistance from, Police, EMS, Calgary Fire or Edmonton Fire departments, if needed.

1. Scene Size-Up: The AFA should assess the overall size and nature of the scene. This includes identifying the location, type of setting (e.g., residential area, workplace, public location), and any specific details that may impact the response, such as the presence of bystanders, vehicles, or potential sources of danger. This information helps the AFA get a general understanding of the situation and plan their approach accordingly, while coordinating with the Calgary or Edmonton fire department if necessary.

2. Mechanism of Injury or Nature of Illness: The AFA should observe and gather information about the mechanism of injury or nature of illness. This includes identifying how the injury or illness occurred, such as a motor vehicle accident, a fall, a medical emergency, or a traumatic injury. Understanding the mechanism of injury or nature of illness can help the AFA anticipate potential injuries or illnesses and determine the appropriate course of action for care, while keeping the Calgary or Edmonton fire department informed as needed.

3. Number of Patients: The AFA should assess the number of patients involved in the incident. This may include identifying if there are multiple patients or just one. This information helps the AFA determine the need for additional resources and prioritize care, while coordinating with the Calgary or Edmonton fire department to ensure adequate care for all patients.

4. Initial Impressions: The AFA should formulate an initial impression of the patients' condition(s) based on their observations from a distance. This includes looking for obvious signs of life-threatening conditions, such as unresponsiveness, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, or obvious deformities. This initial impression can help the AFA prioritize care and initiate appropriate interventions, while keeping the Calgary or Edmonton fire department updated on the patients' status.

5. Additional Resources: The AFA should determine if additional resources are needed, such as additional EMS units, the Calgary or Edmonton fire department, or law enforcement. This may involve communicating with dispatch or calling for assistance from the Calgary or Edmonton fire department as necessary. The AFA should ensure that appropriate resources are enroute to the scene to provide timely and effective care.

6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The AFA and the team should ensure that they are wearing appropriate PPE for the situation. This includes gloves, mask, goggles, and other protective gear as needed, to prevent exposure to potential hazards or communicable diseases. Wearing PPE is crucial to protect the AFA and the team from any potential risks during the response, while coordinating with the Calgary or Edmonton fire department for additional support if required.

7. Consideration of C-Spine: If there is a possibility of a spinal injury, the AFA should consider and maintain cervical spine precautions until further assessment can be performed. This may involve stabilizing the head and neck and avoiding any unnecessary movement that could worsen a potential spinal injury, while coordinating with the Calgary or Edmonton fire department for specialized assistance if needed.

8. Approach to Patients: The AFA should approach patients with care, assess their level of consciousness, and initiate appropriate care based on their assessment findings and protocols. This may include checking for responsiveness, assessing airway, breathing, circulation, and any obvious injuries. The AFA should provide care based on their training and protocols, while coordinating with the Calgary or Edmonton fire department for any additional support or specialized care that may be required.

9. Ongoing Assessment: The AFA should continuously reassess patients' conditions and monitor their vital signs, symptoms, and response to interventions. This includes checking for any changes in the patients' condition, identifying any new injuries or symptoms, and adjusting the care plan as needed. The AFA should communicate any changes or updates to the Calgary or Edmonton fire department and coordinate any necessary interventions or transport arrangements.

10. Documentation: The AFA should document their findings, assessments, interventions, and any communication with the Calgary or Edmonton fire department. This includes recording vital signs, patient information, and any other relevant details in the appropriate format or system. Accurate and thorough documentation is essential for continuity of care, communication with other healthcare providers, and potential legal purposes.

11. Handover to Higher Level of Care: If the patients require a higher level of care beyond the scope of the AFA's training or capabilities, the AFA should initiate handover to the Calgary or Edmonton fire department or other appropriate healthcare providers. This may involve providing a concise and accurate report of the patients' condition, care provided, and any pertinent details to ensure a smooth transition of care.

12. Scene Management: The AFA should actively manage the scene throughout the response, ensuring the safety of all individuals involved and coordinating with the Calgary or Edmonton fire department and other responding agencies as needed. This may include establishing a safe zone, controlling traffic, managing bystanders, and coordinating resources and logistics to ensure an efficient and effective response.

13. Follow-up: After the response, the AFA should debrief with the team, review the incident, and identify any areas for improvement. The AFA should also complete any necessary paperwork, reports, or documentation related to the incident, and follow any relevant protocols or procedures for reporting and follow-up. This may also include communicating with the Calgary or Edmonton fire department for any necessary follow-up or information sharing.

In conclusion, mastering scene assessment is a critical skill for Advanced First Aid (AFA) responders, and depending on your location, collaboration with Calgary Fire & Edmonton Fire Departments is crucial for efficient and effective emergency response. Through meticulous scene assessments, patient assessments, and accurate documentation, AFAs can work for fire departments and ensure scene safety and provide timely and appropriate medical care to those in need.

The partnership between AFAs and fire departments is vital in delivering excellence in emergency response on the frontline in Alberta. By continuously honing their skills and working together, AFAs and fire departments strive to provide the highest level of care to patients in emergency situations. It's important to remember that the roles and responsibilities of an AFA may vary depending on local regulations, protocols, and training. It's essential to always work within your scope of practice and seek appropriate guidance from your Fire department or other healthcare providers as needed.

At Delta Emergency Support Training we are happy to answer any questions you may have about Scene Assessments and Advanced First Aid. We provide training sessions for individuals or classes. We have options for in person, hybrid or online classes for Standard First Aid (SFA), Advanced First Aid (AFA), Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), and more courses. For all inquiries please email info@deltaemergency.com