Which of the following should be prioritized when arriving at a vehicle rollover incident?

In a vehicle rollover incident, prioritizing the mechanism of injury is critical because it directly informs the rescuers about the potential injuries sustained by the occupants. Understanding how the rollover occurred provides insights into the forces that impacted the individuals inside the vehicle, which can range from blunt trauma to ejection from the vehicle. This knowledge aids in assessing the level of care required upon initial contact and allows emergency responders to plan appropriate extrication and medical interventions effectively.

In contrast, while the stability of the vehicle, the number of passengers, and the condition of nearby vehicles are also important considerations, they do not provide as immediate and relevant insights into the injuries that need to be addressed. Stability is essential for safely accessing and rescuing occupants, but understanding the mechanism of injury directly impacts the urgency and style of care provided. The number of passengers may affect resource allocation but is secondary to knowing what kind of injuries those passengers might have. Finally, the condition of nearby vehicles is important for scene safety but does not directly relate to patient care and the immediate management of the incident.