Upon arriving at a motor vehicle collision scene with several critically injured patients, what should you do first?

In a scenario involving multiple critically injured patients at a motor vehicle collision scene, the primary focus should be on ensuring that adequate resources are available to manage the situation effectively. Calling for additional rescue units and transporting ambulances is a crucial first step because it establishes a support framework that is essential for handling the needs of multiple patients. This action ensures that there are enough trained personnel and vehicles to provide necessary medical interventions and transportation to a hospital, especially considering the severity of the injuries involved.

By securing more resources initially, responders can then focus on triaging patients based on their conditions, ensuring that those who need immediate attention are prioritized. This step is vital in mass casualty incidents, where timely and appropriate intervention can significantly affect patient outcomes.

While beginning the triage process, extricating a patient, or caring for nearby victims are critical tasks as well, they can only be effectively executed when the necessary support is in place. Ensuring that enough ambulances and rescue units are on the way allows responders to have the capacity to treat and transport patients without overwhelming existing resources or leaving some patients unattended.