In a fire emergency, which action is performed first according to the RACE protocol?

In a fire emergency, which action is performed first according to the RACE protocol?

• A. Alert
• B. Contain
• C. Rescue
• D. Extinguish

Answer: (C)

Saving lives comes first in a fire situation. In the RACE protocol, the initial action is to rescue anyone in immediate danger if you can do so without putting yourself at risk. Getting people out of harm’s way takes priority before you move on to sounding the alarm, containing the fire, or attempting to extinguish it. After rescuing, you activate the fire alarm to alert others and summon help, then work to contain the fire to prevent spread, and only attempt to extinguish if you have a safe, capable method. The emphasis on rescue reflects that protecting people is the top priority before addressing the fire itself.

Saving lives comes first in a fire situation. In the RACE protocol, the initial action is to rescue anyone in immediate danger if you can do so without putting yourself at risk. Getting people out of harm’s way takes priority before you move on to sounding the alarm, containing the fire, or attempting to extinguish it. After rescuing, you activate the fire alarm to alert others and summon help, then work to contain the fire to prevent spread, and only attempt to extinguish if you have a safe, capable method. The emphasis on rescue reflects that protecting people is the top priority before addressing the fire itself.