How should rescuers handle a vehicle with potential hazards like leaking fuel?

When faced with a vehicle that has potential hazards, such as leaking fuel, the primary concern for rescuers is safety. Establishing a safety perimeter and using protective measures is crucial in order to mitigate the risks associated with a hazardous situation. This approach ensures that both the rescuers and any victims are kept at a safe distance from potential sources of ignition or explosion.

Setting a safety perimeter helps to keep bystanders away from the area where the fuel leak is present, reducing the risk of accidents or escalation of the situation. Protective measures may include wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensuring that any ignition sources, such as open flames or sparks, are eliminated from the vicinity.

In contrast, ignoring the fuel leakage would place everyone in danger, while immediate ventilation could inadvertently increase the risk of fire or explosion by introducing oxygen into an already unstable environment. Additionally, extracting a victim without addressing the hazardous conditions could lead to severe consequences for both the victim and the rescuers, highlighting why a methodical approach to safety is essential in these scenarios.