As the first-arriving emergency responder at the scene of a suspected terrorist or weapon of mass destruction incident, you should request additional resources as needed and then:

As the first-arriving emergency responder at the scene of a suspected terrorist or weapon of mass destruction incident, you should request additional resources as needed and then:

• A. Function as the incident commander until additional personnel arrive
• B. Immediately abandon and wait for police
• C. Triage victims and transport all victims immediately
• D. Contain the scene and wait for orders

Answer: (A)

Establishing incident command and scene control is essential in a suspected terrorist or WMD incident. The first arriving responder must quickly set up a command structure to coordinate safety, communications, and resource deployment. By requesting additional resources as needed, you ensure that medical teams, law enforcement, and hazardous-material support can be brought in without delay. Then you function as the incident commander until a more qualified officer or supervisor arrives to assume command. This single, coordinated leadership prevents chaos, keeps safety at the forefront, and allows you to organize triage, treatment, and any necessary decontamination under a clear plan. Abandoning the scene, triaging and transporting all victims immediately, or waiting for orders without establishing command would lead to confusion, unsafe conditions, and disorganized response.

Establishing incident command and scene control is essential in a suspected terrorist or WMD incident. The first arriving responder must quickly set up a command structure to coordinate safety, communications, and resource deployment. By requesting additional resources as needed, you ensure that medical teams, law enforcement, and hazardous-material support can be brought in without delay. Then you function as the incident commander until a more qualified officer or supervisor arrives to assume command. This single, coordinated leadership prevents chaos, keeps safety at the forefront, and allows you to organize triage, treatment, and any necessary decontamination under a clear plan. Abandoning the scene, triaging and transporting all victims immediately, or waiting for orders without establishing command would lead to confusion, unsafe conditions, and disorganized response.