During scene size-up, under which circumstances should you request additional resources?

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Request additional resources as soon as you identify conditions that could overwhelm your crew or require tools beyond what you have on scene. If there are hazards such as fire, toxic fumes, structural instability, downed power lines, or other dangers, bringing in specialized teams and extra personnel helps you secure the scene and protect both responders and patients. When there are multiple patients or a potential mass casualty, you’ll need more ambulances, a supervisor, and a planned triage and transport strategy to move care forward efficiently. If the situation calls for specialized equipment—extrication tools, spine immobilization gear, lighting, rescue rope systems, hazmat gear, or water rescue equipment—arranging for those assets early prevents delays in treatment or extraction. Waiting until transport or only acting on patient demands can slow critical operations and compromise safety. In short, request more resources whenever hazards, multiple patients, or the need for specialized equipment are present.