What is the first action to take when arriving at a rescue scene?

• A. Start extrication immediately without PPE.
• B. Call for more resources and wait.
• C. Move vehicles to clear path without assessment.
• D. Put on PPE and assess the scene for hazards.

Answer: (D)

The first action is to put on PPE and assess the scene for hazards. Wearing the proper protective gear immediately protects you from sharps, fluids, fire, chemicals, and other dangers, while a quick scene size-up lets you identify risks such as moving traffic, fuel leaks, downed power lines, unstable vehicles, and hazardous materials. This early assessment informs where to establish a safety perimeter, how to position responders, and what stabilization or access steps are needed. Starting extrication without PPE puts you at serious risk, and waiting for resources while ignoring hazards delays care and can make conditions worse. Moving vehicles to clear a path without evaluation can cause further injury or create new hazards. After donning PPE and completing the scene assessment, you can proceed with stabilization and patient access in a controlled, safe manner.