What is the correct order of priority in a serious motor vehicle accident requiring extrication?

• A. Area safety, maintain breathing, control arterial bleeding, control spinal column
• B. Control fallout, maintain breathing, ensure safety, control bleeding
• C. Control spinal column, maintain breathing, ensure safety, treat shock
• D. Ensure safety, control breathing, maintain airway, treat shock

Answer: (A)

The correct order of priority in a serious motor vehicle accident requiring extrication emphasizes fundamental life-saving protocols. Starting with area safety is crucial because ensuring that the environment is free from further hazards protects both the rescuers and the victims. This step helps prevent additional injuries from potential dangers like fires, ongoing traffic, or unstable structures.

Once safety is confirmed, maintaining breathing is the next priority. A patient’s ability to breathe is vital for survival, so immediate assessment and action to ensure an open airway can be life-saving. After addressing breathing, controlling arterial bleeding becomes necessary, as severe blood loss can quickly lead to shock or death. It is critical to manage any significant hemorrhaging to stabilize the patient before further treatment. Managing spinal column alignment follows, as it is important to minimize the risk of exacerbating potential spinal injuries, particularly in cases of trauma.

This order ensures that the most life-threatening issues are addressed first, aligning with the standard protocols for emergency response in vehicle accidents. The other options do not prioritize these critical life-saving measures in the same logical order.