What is the first step of a vehicle extrication operation?

• A. Stabilize the vehicle
• B. Access the victim
• C. Triage the patient
• D. Size up the incident scene

Answer: (D)

Starting with scene size-up, rescuers gather essential information about the incident to establish a safe and effective plan. In vehicle extrication, this means quickly assessing scene safety and hazards (fuel leaks, fire risk, downed power lines, traffic), the mechanism of injury, how many victims there are and where they’re located, access and egress routes, and what resources are already on scene or needed. This early assessment shapes every subsequent action and protects both victims and rescuers.

After a clear size-up, you can safely proceed with stabilizing the vehicle, which depends on understanding risks to prevent movement or further injury; then you access the victim with a plan informed by the scene assessment; and triage is carried out once you can reach victims and determine prioritization.