What should you do first if you arrive at a vehicle fire with a closed hood?

When encountering a vehicle fire with a closed hood, the priority should be to assess the safety of any occupants inside the vehicle and to focus on extricating patients if necessary. In a vehicle fire scenario, the closed hood signifies that the source of the fire could be more extensive or hidden than initially apparent. Opening the hood without proper protection or without ensuring that it is safe to do so can lead to sudden flare-ups, potentially endangering both the rescuer and any occupants.

By choosing to let the fire burn and concentrate on extricating the patient, you are prioritizing the safety of the individuals involved. This approach acknowledges that attempting to fight the fire without proper equipment or knowledge might worsen the situation. The focus should remain on securing the well-being of those trapped in the vehicle rather than directly combating the fire at that moment, especially if the fire is significant. Keeping the area around the vehicle clear and monitoring the fire could also provide valuable time until firefighters can arrive to manage the situation effectively.

In contrast, options that suggest attempting to extinguish the fire directly or applying chemicals to the patient's clothing could lead to unnecessary risk or further complications. The overall strategy must be patient-centered and safety-focused, thus justifying the choice made in the scenario.