During the windshield survey at a crash scene, which assessment is NOT typically performed?

• A. Determine if patients appear conscious
• B. Determine if patients are moving
• C. Determine if patients are attempting to self-extricate
• D. Check for other hazards at the scene

Answer: (D)

The windshield survey is a quick outside look used to gauge a scene and patient condition as you approach. It focuses on what you can observe without entering the scene: whether victims appear conscious, whether they’re moving, and whether any are attempting to self-extricate. You may also note obvious hazards that would impede approach, but you don’t perform a full, detailed hazard audit of everything at the scene during this glance. A comprehensive hazard assessment is done later as you enter the scene and perform the full scene size-up to ensure safety for responders. Therefore, checking for other hazards at the scene is not typically part of the windshield survey.