During extrication, what is the number one priority for all rescue personnel?

The primary focus during any rescue operation is personal safety. Ensuring that all rescue personnel are safe allows them to effectively assist others without becoming victims themselves. This encompasses not only awareness of the environment and potential hazards, such as traffic, fire, or unstable structures, but also the appropriate use of protective equipment and adherence to safety protocols.

When rescuers prioritize their own safety, they can maintain situational awareness and make better decisions during the extrication process. Personal safety is foundational to the successful execution of the rescue, as it ensures that rescuers can continue to provide aid without risking additional harm to themselves or delaying the operations that could further endanger victims.

While gaining access to the injured patient, using extrication tools properly, and timely victim removal are critical components of a rescue mission, they all hinge on the prerequisite of personal safety to be carried out effectively.