At a rescue incident, diverting or blocking traffic, shutting off utilities, or suppressing fires that can affect rescue operations are part of which process?

• A. Incident stabilization
• B. Scene safety
• C. Size-up
• D. Primary search

Answer: (A)

Incident stabilization focuses on actions that bring the scene under control and remove hazards that could compromise rescue operations. Diverting or blocking traffic clears access routes and reduces risks posed by bystanders or vehicles. Shutting off utilities prevents secondary hazards such as gas leaks or electrical shocks that could ignite or worsen conditions. Suppressing fires that could affect the rescue limits heat, smoke, and fuel sources, making it safer to reach and remove trapped people. These steps collectively create a stable, safer environment for crews to operate, which is the essence of stabilization. Scene safety, size-up, and primary search serve other purposes: scene safety is about ongoing personal and public protection, size-up is the ongoing assessment of conditions, and primary search is locating and removing victims.