Scene control in prehospital care

Skillful scene control, sensitive communication, and grace under pressure are all necessary for safe passage in and out of the volatile field environment. These skills must be nurtured and practiced. Ideas for their mastery are presented in this article. But everyone has a different style. To some, few of these ideas will be relevant. Others may embrace most. The skills most important to everyone are recognizing and controlling the forces acting on a scene and understanding the need for clear and calm leadership. Short of that, EMTs as well as patients fall prey to these forces, and personal safety and patient care are jeopardized.