What is a key step to take regarding evidence when medical personnel are en route?

• A. Question witnesses to gather statements before evidence is secured.
• B. Preserve evidence and documentation at the scene.
• C. Destroy evidence that is sensitive.
• D. Remove all evidence to avoid contamination.

Answer: (B)

Preserving evidence and documentation at the scene is essential because it keeps the scene intact for investigators and maintains the reliability of what happened. When medical personnel are en route, the priority is to avoid disturbing items or altering the setup, while you note and protect what could be important—taking notes, photos, and securing key areas so the chain of custody is preserved. This helps investigators later reconstruct events accurately and supports any legal or procedural follow-up. Gathering witness statements or destroying or moving evidence would compromise what happened and make it harder to determine the facts, so those actions aren’t appropriate at this stage.