NO FEAR Project–Re-thinking Scene Security

Abstract

Introduction:

The NO FEAR project is dealing with operational aspects of the response to security-related incidents. Recent attacks globally demonstrate the complexity of the scenes and the fact that by nature the scene is not safe, though EMS personnel are intervening in those unsafe environments.

Method:

During a series of workshops with different EMS providers and managers the following ideas have been discussed: 1) Acceptable risk is part of EMS work 2) EMS personnel should be trained to conduct a personal risk assessment on-site and take appropriate action 3) EMS personnel on site should not think about the "large scene" but on the specifics of their site of operations

Results:

This new way of thinking requires a shift of paradigm in EMS, which for many years was "safety first" or "don't engage unless the scene is safe", ignoring the change like deliberate attacks against the population.

Conclusion:

Recent attacks present new threats and risks for EMS personnel, coupled with public expectations (who are on the scene providing assistance to their fellow injured citizen) are a call to EMS leaders to re-think the way we teach and address scene safety in security related incidents.