What should an EMT do if they encounter hostile bystanders at a scene?

When an EMT encounters hostile bystanders at a scene, requesting police assistance if needed is the most appropriate course of action. This approach is essential for ensuring the safety of both the EMT and the patient. Hostile bystanders can pose a risk that may hinder the EMT's ability to provide care, disrupt the scene, or escalate a potentially dangerous situation. By notifying law enforcement, the EMT can ensure that trained personnel are available to manage the scene and mitigate any threats to safety. This allows the EMT to concentrate on patient care without the added burden of dealing with aggression or disturbances.

While engaging directly with hostile individuals might seem like a way to establish control, it can often escalate tensions. Ignoring the bystanders may allow for patient care to continue, but it does not address the potential safety threat they present. Explaining the situation to them could also provoke further hostility or misunderstanding, leading to a more dangerous environment. Therefore, the most effective and safest method when faced with hostility is to involve police assistance to help maintain order and safety.