Scene Safety Hazard Hunt

Students study four mock accident scenes set up in the gym and must spot every hazard before approaching the victim. The activity focuses on the first step of any emergency response: making the scene safe.

How to play

1. Before class, set up four scenes, each with a victim (a rolled-up mat) and 4-6 symbolic hazards: rope = power cord, hoop = puddle, tipped bench = unstable structure, cone = car.
2. Briefing (2 min): review Check, Call, Care and the golden rule: nobody goes in until the scene is safe.
3. Four groups of 6 stand behind a cone line 10 feet from their scene: 60 seconds of silent observation, then 60 seconds to write hazards and fixes on the worksheet.
4. A safety captain, different at each scene, goes in and acts out the fixes: mark it, unplug it, move the bench with a partner. Then they tap the victim's shoulder.
5. The teacher reads the key: one point per hazard handled, minus one if anyone crosses the line early.
6. Rotate every 3.5 minutes through all four scenes (14 min), then discuss the hazards nobody spotted.

Rules

• Nobody crosses the cone line until the group declares the scene safe.
• Benches are always moved by two people.
• Talk quietly so other groups can't hear your answers.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: serve as safety captain, giving instructions to two classmates.
• Visual impairment: a partner describes the scene and the student decides the fixes.
• Advanced groups: also write out the 911 call for that scene.

Learning goals

• Identify the hazards at a scene before stepping in.
• Propose ways to protect the rescuer, the victim, and bystanders.
• Make group decisions under time pressure.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 16
• ropes: 4
• benches: 4
• hoops: 4
• worksheets: 16

Teacher tip

Prepare an answer key per scene with numbered hazards for quick scoring. Stress that an injured rescuer is just one more victim.

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