What should be a firefighter's first priority?

• A. the general public
• B. the members of his or her company
• C. people affected by the incident
• D. him/herself

Answer: (D)

Personal safety is the foundation of every action you take on the fireground. If you aren’t safe, you can’t protect others, and you can’t continue to operate effectively. Focusing on your own safety—from proper use of PPE to following standard procedures and keeping situational awareness—lets you survive and maintain the ability to perform rescues and support teammates later.

While helping the public or those affected by the incident is essential, it depends on you being able to work safely first. If you ignore your own safety and become injured or incapacitated, you remove the ability to help anyone at all, including your crew.