Assess the Risks Before You Act

Rescuers can seem to be like angels when they rush into a dangerous scene to pull someone to safety, put out a fire or administer first aid.

But unlike the angels of stories, human rescuers are not immortal and they are not invulnerable to injury.

People who rescue and help others in emergencies need to protect themselves from danger or else there will be even more victims for someone else to try to save.

Whether you are a trained emergency worker or someone who happens to be at the scene of an injury incident, you need to look out for yourself first.

Many dangers can be present at an accident or disaster scene. Toxic gases, flammable vapors, floodwaters, falling objects, bloodborne pathogens and many other hazards could injure someone who tries to help.