Internertional Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) Advanced Officer Certification Practice Exam

What is the first action an officer should take when responding to a critical incident?

1. Fully document the incident

2. Secure any crime scene evidence

3. Ensure the officer's safety

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Ensure the officer's safety

The first action an officer should take when responding to a critical incident is to ensure the officer's safety. This principle is fundamental because the safety of the responding officer is paramount before any other actions can be effective or appropriate. If the officer does not take measures to ensure their own safety, they could become a victim in the situation, which would hinder their ability to assist others or manage the incident effectively. Prioritizing personal safety enables the officer to assess the situation without the immediate threat of harm. Once safety is established, the officer can then proceed with securing the scene, documenting the incident, or providing assistance to others as necessary. Without this initial step, any subsequent actions may be compromised, risking further escalation of the incident or putting more lives at risk.