In what order should first responders prioritize during an incident?

Prioritizing responders during an incident begins with Responder Safety, as the health and safety of those providing aid is paramount. If first responders do not ensure their own safety, they may become victims themselves, thus exacerbating the situation. Once responders are secure, their next focus shifts to Public Safety, ensuring the wellbeing of civilians. Following these priorities, Environmental Safety is considered to prevent any further damage to surrounding ecosystems or unsafe conditions that could arise due to the incident, leading finally to Property Protection.

The reasoning behind the other choices emphasizes aspects like Environmental Safety or Property Protection before addressing the safety of responders and the public, which is counterproductive. In high-pressure situations, the sequence established in the correct response ensures that those tasked with managing the incident can operate effectively and efficiently without jeopardizing themselves or those they are trying to assist.