An earthquake has hit and buildings are knocked down; people are injur

An earthquake has hit and buildings are knocked down; people are injured and crying for help. Looters have already started grabbing essential resources. Which of the following actions should the community take first?

a. Send in ambulances to transport injured persons to medical facilities
b. Send in media personnel to share the event and begin efforts to obtain donations for the injured
c. Send in medical personnel to administer first aid and triage the injured
d. Send in law officials to secure the area and ensure the safety of the victims

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: D
Before search and rescue should begin, safety must be considered. In some instances, if a criminal action is suspected, law officials will be among the first to respond to secure the area and possibly gather evidence. While the area is being checked and then cleared of potential threats, a staging area can be set up at or near the site of the incident to direct onsite activities. Search and rescue of victims can begin once clearance is given, a disaster triage area is established, and an emergency treatment area is set up to provide first aid until transportation for victims to hospitals or health care facilities for treatment can be coordinated.