In what order should trapped victims be prioritized for rescue from motor vehicles?

• A. Stabilize vehicle, assess area safety, check victim condition, extricate
• B. Check vital signs, stabilize vehicle, assess area safety, extricate
• C. Assess area safety, check stability of vehicle, check victim condition, extricate
• D. Check victim condition, assess area safety, stabilize vehicle, extricate

Answer: (C)

When prioritizing the rescue of trapped victims from motor vehicles, the correct approach begins with assessing area safety. This step is crucial as rescuers need to ensure that the environment is secure for both the victims and the rescue personnel. Unstable vehicles, leaking fluids, or potential exposure to traffic can pose significant hazards.

Next, it's important to check the stability of the vehicle. This involves determining whether the vehicle is at risk of rolling over or shifting, which could further endanger the trapped victims and rescuers. Stabilizing the vehicle effectively minimizes the risk of additional injuries during the rescue process.

Following the assessment of safety and stability, checking the victim's condition should be conducted. Understanding the nature and extent of the victims' injuries allows rescuers to prioritize life-saving measures effectively and communicate necessary information to medical personnel.

Finally, extricating the victims from the vehicle should take place. This sequence ensures that the rescue is executed safely and efficiently, maximizing the chances of survival for the trapped individuals.

The selected option accurately reflects this logical and safety-focused progression, emphasizing the importance of assessing safety and vehicle stability before addressing the victims' conditions and executing their extraction.