When you hear a fire alarm and there is a resident in the room, which action is correct first?

When you hear a fire alarm and there is a resident in the room, which action is correct first?

• A. Remove residents from the area of the fire
• B. Report to the nurse for directives
• C. Locate a fire extinguisher
• D. Evacuate all residents

Answer: (A)

The most important thing when a fire alarm sounds and a resident is in the room is to get that resident to safety immediately. This immediate rescue of the person in danger takes priority because saving a life and reducing exposure to smoke is the highest priority in a fire situation. Once the resident is out of the danger area, you can follow the facility’s protocol—alert the nurse for directives and ensure the alarm has been activated if needed. Locating a fire extinguisher is something you do only if you can reach it quickly and safely without delaying evacuation, and you should not try to evacuate everyone before the person in immediate danger is safe. In short, move the resident away from the fire first, then proceed with reporting and any further actions as directed.

The most important thing when a fire alarm sounds and a resident is in the room is to get that resident to safety immediately. This immediate rescue of the person in danger takes priority because saving a life and reducing exposure to smoke is the highest priority in a fire situation. Once the resident is out of the danger area, you can follow the facility’s protocol—alert the nurse for directives and ensure the alarm has been activated if needed. Locating a fire extinguisher is something you do only if you can reach it quickly and safely without delaying evacuation, and you should not try to evacuate everyone before the person in immediate danger is safe. In short, move the resident away from the fire first, then proceed with reporting and any further actions as directed.