What must a driver do upon arriving at an emergency scene?

Upon arriving at an emergency scene, the primary responsibility of a driver is to ensure the safety of the scene before taking further action. This involves assessing potential hazards, such as traffic conditions, fire risks, or environmental dangers. By evaluating the safety of the scene, the driver can make informed decisions about how to approach patient care and the overall safety for all individuals involved.

Preparing for patient care includes understanding the dynamics of the situation, identifying any immediate risks to the patient and responders, and ensuring that the ambulance and its crew can operate safely. This assessment lays the groundwork for effective care and ensures that responders are not met with unexpected dangers that could complicate their efforts or put anyone at greater risk.

In contrast, driving directly to the hospital without assessing the scene could lead to missing critical information that affects how care should be provided. Immediate treatment of the patient without ensuring scene safety could endanger the responder and the patient. Requesting assistance from other agencies is typically done after confirming the scene is safe and appropriate to proceed with care, making it a follow-up action rather than an initial priority. Hence, assessing the safety of the scene and preparing for patient care is the correct and most responsible initial action upon arrival.