Which of the following best describes what a 360-degree scene size-up assesses?

• A. Only vehicle position.
• B. Only hazards and entry points.
• C. Only victim access.
• D. Vehicle position, hazards, entry points, and victim access.

Answer: (D)

A 360-degree scene size-up must consider vehicle position, hazards, entry points, and victim access to plan a safe, effective extrication. Knowing where the vehicle sits helps you judge stability, traffic flow, and how to position responders and equipment. Identifying hazards—like fuel leaks, wires, fire risk, or unstable metal—lets you address risks before tooling up. Looking for entry points ensures you have accessible paths for tools, glass removal, and patient egress. Assessing victim access shows the best route to reach and extricate the patient without causing further injury or requiring unnecessary movement. If you focus on just one aspect, you miss other critical factors that influence safety, timing, and success. The description that includes all four elements best captures what this size-up is for.