If an employee is unobtainable for a long period during rescue, what step should be taken?

• A. Reassess the area for hazards
• B. Continue trying to free them
• C. Call for additional emergency resources
• D. Check their airway

Answer: (C)

When an employee is unobtainable for a long period during a rescue operation, calling for additional emergency resources is paramount. This action ensures that specialized assistance can be deployed to help with the rescue, particularly if there are concerns about the safety and wellbeing of the individual.

Utilizing more resources can bring in trained personnel who may have different skills or equipment necessary to effectively reach and assist the trapped individual. This could include emergency medical services, search and rescue teams, or other specific personnel trained in high-risk rescue scenarios.

While reassessing the area for hazards is important, it doesn’t directly address the immediate need for assistance. Continuing attempts to free the individual without properly trained support can compromise both their safety and that of the rescue team. Checking their airway is a critical action in a broader medical emergency context, but it may not be achievable if the individual is not easily accessible. Thus, securing additional emergency resources is the most effective step in ensuring a successful, timely, and safe rescue operation.