In the case of a vehicle rescue, what is the recommended action if multiple victims are present?

The recommended action in a vehicle rescue situation involving multiple victims is to perform a quick headcount of victims. This initial assessment allows rescuers to understand the extent of the situation and prioritize their actions based on the number of victims and their conditions.

While rescuing the most severely injured first seems intuitive, it is crucial to first ascertain how many people are involved. By counting the victims, responders can identify those who may need immediate assistance versus those who can wait. This also helps in coordinating resources and personnel effectively.

After establishing the total number of victims, rescuers can then focus on the most critical individuals. Failing to assess the number of victims may lead to confusion and potential oversight of someone in need. Hence, the correct approach ensures that no victim is overlooked in an emergency where time is of the essence.