What should first responders do first upon arriving at the scene of an emergency?

The first priority for first responders upon arriving at the scene of an emergency is to ensure their own safety and assess the scene for safety hazards. This step is crucial because responders must be able to operate effectively without becoming additional victims themselves. Assessing the safety of the environment allows responders to identify potential hazards, such as traffic, fire, unstable structures, or hazardous materials, which could endanger both the responders and the victims.

Prioritizing safety creates a secure environment for providing care to victims and helps in making informed decisions about how to proceed with the situation. Once responders have established that it is safe to continue, they can then address the medical needs of victims, call for additional support if necessary, and provide appropriate care based on the circumstances. This structured approach ensures that responders can act efficiently and effectively in emergency situations.