During initial size-up of a vehicle incident, which information should be determined in case there is a need for control or mitigation to protect the responders and patients?

The focus during the initial size-up of a vehicle incident is to assess conditions that may pose hazards to responders and patients alike. Determining the fuel types of all vehicles involved in the incident is crucial for several reasons. Different fuel types can present unique risks; for example, gasoline can ignite easily, while compressed natural gas (CNG) can create high-pressure hazards. Understanding these fuel types helps responders implement appropriate control measures, such as establishing safe zones, applying fire suppression techniques, or avoiding certain actions that could lead to explosions or fires.

While knowing the number of patients and their injuries, the effects of the weather, and the vehicle types and sizes are also important aspects of size-up, they do not directly address immediate hazards that could affect responder safety or necessitate urgent mitigation strategies specific to fuel safety. Therefore, identifying the fuel types allows for a proactive approach in ensuring the safety of everyone involved, guiding responders on how to approach the situation effectively.