What is a critical action to take before attempting to extricate a victim from a vehicle?

Performing a complete vehicle stability assessment is crucial before attempting to extricate a victim from a vehicle because it ensures the safety of both the rescuers and the victim. Vehicles can be precariously positioned following a collision, and if the vehicle is unstable, it could shift unexpectedly during the extrication process, potentially causing further injury to the victim or harm to the rescuers. This assessment involves checking for hazards such as potential rollovers, ensuring the vehicle is on level ground, and determining if there are any other safety concerns like leaking fluids or downed power lines.

While activating emergency flashers, notifying other responders, and cutting open doors are important steps in the rescue sequence, none of these should be prioritized over ensuring the stability of the vehicle, as stability affects the entire rescue effort. If the vehicle is unstable and not properly assessed first, other actions could lead to increased risk during the operation.