After arriving on the scene of an auto accident, what's the first thing you should do?

• A. Secure the scene
• B. Check for injuries
• C. Interview witnesses
• D. Call for tow

Answer: (A)

Your first priority on arrival is to secure the scene. That means setting up a safe perimeter, using warning devices, and directing or limiting traffic so no one is put at risk by ongoing hazards. Controlling the environment protects you, any injured people, and other responders, and it also helps keep the area safe for the initial assessment and any evidence that may need to be documented. Once the scene is secured, you can proceed to address immediate medical needs and perform a primary survey to check for life-threatening injuries, which comes before other tasks like interviewing witnesses or arranging towing. If hazards aren’t controlled, attempting to check injuries or gather statements can put everyone at greater risk and impede effective care.