3 Resource Assessment and Activation Free Online FlashCards

Why request additional resources early?

Request additional help early when the scene or patient may exceed the responding team’s capabilities; this gives resources time to arrive while care continues.

What patient-count questions guide resource assessment?

Determine how many people are injured or ill, and whether anyone may still be unlocated. Multiple patients may require more ambulances, triage support, or incident coordination.

When might a patient need support beyond the arriving crew?

Consider whether the patient is critically ill or injured, or likely to need care beyond the arriving crew’s capabilities, such as advanced clinical support.

How should scene hazards affect resource requests?

Hazards such as entrapment, fire, water, hazardous materials, violence, or unsafe traffic may require specialized responders. Do not enter an unsafe area; request appropriately trained help.

What people and equipment may an incident require?

Assess whether more clinicians, ambulances, lifting or extrication equipment, protective equipment, or other specialized capabilities are needed.

What coordination may a complex or expanding incident need?

A complex, expanding, or multi-agency incident may need a supervisor or incident commander and a clearly identified staging area.

What should guide how resources are requested?

Request resources according to local protocols and the incident command structure.

What information belongs in a clear resource request?

State the location, type and number of resources needed, reason, relevant hazards, and safest access or staging information.

What should follow a resource request?

Confirm the request was received, provide updates if conditions change, and tell command when a resource is no longer needed.

How are resources tracked during larger incidents?

Use the established incident-management process so requests are coordinated and resources can be tracked from request through deployment and release.

What care responsibilities continue after help is requested?

Requesting help does not replace reassessment. Continue care within training and protocols while maintaining scene safety.

Should urgent transport wait solely for additional resources?

Do not delay urgent transport solely to wait for additional resources when transport is appropriate; weigh the benefit of added help against the need for definitive care.