a. After identifying the job (task) required, you must
relate to the circumstances under which you must work. Do you need
additional people, security, medical, or special rescue equipment?
Are there circumstances such as mountain rescue or aircraft accidents
that may require specialized skills? What is the weather like? Is the
terrain hazardous? How much time is available?
b. The time element will sometimes cause a rescuer to
compromise planning stages and/or treatment which can be given. A
realistic estimate of time available must be made
as quickly as possible to determine action time remaining. The key
elements are the casualty's condition and the environment.
c. Mass casualties are to be expected on the modern
battlefield. All problems or complexities of rescue are now
multiplied by the number of casualties encountered. In this case,
time becomes the critical element.
