This April Fools Day we want to remind you NOT to make the most common First Aid Mistake. DO NOT rush to help and injured person until you have surveyed the scene first to assure it is safe for you as a rescuer. Why? Because you could injure yourself... think about it... the next bystander or rescuer could be dealing with two casualties. Assessing a scene should take only about 5-15 seconds, although there are a number of important issues that need to be evaluated in this period.  The first thing to determine is whether or not the environment poses a hazard to you as a rescuer.  If a scene is unsafe, do not enter it.  This is especially important to remember when dealing with emergencies involving confined spaces and electricity, among others.  firstaid-basics