What is one of the first considerations for first responders at a major incident?

One of the first considerations for first responders at a major incident is determining whether the situation qualifies as a major incident. This is crucial because it dictates the scale of the response required and establishes the protocols that must be followed. Correctly identifying a major incident allows responders to activate specialized plans and resources, ensuring that they can manage the situation effectively and efficiently.

Understanding the nature and severity of the incident enables responders to prioritize their actions. Resources can then be allocated properly, and additional support can be requested if necessary. This assessment is fundamental to coordinating efforts among multiple agencies and creating a unified response strategy, which is critical in handling emergencies that may involve significant risk to life or property.

In contrast, while preserving property, assessing media response, and gathering crowd control are important components of incident management, they are secondary actions that depend on the initial recognition of the incident's magnitude. Without first determining whether it is a major incident, these subsequent actions may be mismanaged or inadequately resource-planned.