What should be your first action upon receiving a dispatch for a critical emergency?

The first action upon receiving a dispatch for a critical emergency is to respond quickly and safely to the scene. This is essential because the nature of a critical emergency often involves life-threatening situations where every moment counts. Prioritizing safety ensures that you arrive prepared to assist without becoming a victim yourself.

While it is necessary to prepare equipment, assess personnel readiness, and communicate with incident command, these actions should ideally happen simultaneously or in quick succession while you are en route to the emergency. The urgency of the situation requires immediate action to maximize the chances of a positive outcome for the individuals involved. Thus, initiating your response to the scene promptly is crucial, while the other aspects can be adjusted as you proceed.