What should be done first when arriving at a crash scene?

When arriving at a crash scene, the paramount priority is to ensure the safety of all individuals involved and to assess for medical needs. This crucial step involves stabilizing the situation to prevent further injury or additional accidents. Law enforcement personnel must secure the area, moving to protect victims and bystanders from oncoming traffic and other hazards.

After ensuring safety, assessing medical needs allows for prompt medical intervention for anyone injured in the crash. This could involve calling for emergency medical services and providing assistance until help arrives. This step is essential because immediate medical attention can be life-saving and reduces the severity of injuries sustained.

Other actions, such as collecting witness statements, measuring skid marks, and determining weather conditions, while important for the overall investigation, come after the initial safety assessment. Without first addressing the immediate safety and medical requirements, the situation could escalate and cause additional harm. Thus, prioritizing safety and medical assessment is fundamental in crash scene management.