What is the first action to take upon arriving at a Road Traffic Collision (RTC)?

In the context of responding to a Road Traffic Collision (RTC), the first action typically involves ensuring the safety of the scene and assessing the immediate situation before taking further actions. While calling for backup can be important, particularly in serious incidents or when additional assistance may be required, the primary focus should be on establishing control and safety at the scene.

Examining the scene is an essential step, allowing officers to gather critical information and assess any immediate dangers, such as ongoing traffic or hazards from spilled fuel. It also helps determine the resources needed for effective management of the incident.

Approaching casualties is crucial for providing assistance, but it should only occur after ensuring that the environment is safe for both the officer and the victims. Without prior assessment, approaching casualties could expose responders to additional risks.

Setting up caution signs is also a key tactic employed to alert other road users and mitigate further accidents. This action typically follows an initial scene assessment to identify the best locations for such warnings.

Therefore, while calling for backup is significant, it is not typically the very first action; instead, establishing safety and understanding the situation through scene examination is generally prioritized as the initial response to an RTC. This foundational step aids in determining the most effective and safe approach to managing the incident and the