If rescuers can access a vehicle, what should their first action be?

The first action that rescuers should take upon accessing a vehicle is to assess and protect the victims. This step is crucial because the primary goal in any rescue situation is to ensure the safety and well-being of the individuals involved. By assessing the victims, rescuers can evaluate their condition and determine the best course of action, whether that involves providing immediate medical assistance, stabilizing them until they can be removed safely, or addressing any potential hazards in the environment.

Protecting the victims also involves ensuring that they are shielded from further harm, which could come from various sources such as traffic, fire, or unstable vehicle positioning. This initial assessment and protective measure set the foundation for the following actions that may be necessary, such as extricating the victims or providing advanced medical care.

Other actions, such as removing the vehicle from the scene, contacting the fire chief, or beginning fire suppression efforts, may be necessary later but should not come before ensuring the victims' immediate safety and care. These actions could potentially take priority only after confirming that the victims are secure and their needs have been addressed.