After sizing up a scene with a possible infectious disease, what is the next priority?

After sizing up a scene with a possible infectious disease, what is the next priority?

• A. Notify law enforcement.
• B. Contact medical control.
• C. Quickly access the patient.
• D. Take standard precautions.

Answer: (D)

Standard precautions are the next priority. When you encounter a scene with a possible infectious disease, your first goal is to protect yourself and others from exposure. This means putting on appropriate PPE—gloves at minimum, and eye protection, a mask, and a gown as needed—and treating all bodily fluids as potentially infectious. With barriers in place, you can safely approach the patient to assess and begin care. Other steps, like contacting medical control or notifying law enforcement, are important but should come after you’ve established your protection. Approaching the patient without PPE would put you at risk and is not appropriate.

Standard precautions are the next priority. When you encounter a scene with a possible infectious disease, your first goal is to protect yourself and others from exposure. This means putting on appropriate PPE—gloves at minimum, and eye protection, a mask, and a gown as needed—and treating all bodily fluids as potentially infectious. With barriers in place, you can safely approach the patient to assess and begin care. Other steps, like contacting medical control or notifying law enforcement, are important but should come after you’ve established your protection. Approaching the patient without PPE would put you at risk and is not appropriate.