What is the first action staff should be taught to take during fire drills or real emergencies?

In the context of emergency preparedness, the first action that staff should be trained to take during fire drills or real emergencies is to rescue and remove anyone in immediate danger. This response prioritizes the safety of the residents, as they may be unable to evacuate on their own, particularly those with mobility issues, cognitive impairments, or those who may not understand the need to leave immediately.

By focusing on rescuing those in immediate danger, staff can help prevent injuries or fatalities that could occur due to smoke inhalation, fire exposure, or panic. This action sets the stage for further safety measures to be implemented, such as alerting others to the fire and executing a complete evacuation when it is safe to do so.

The emphasis on ensuring residents are safe first aligns with fire safety protocols and best practices in residential care and assisted living environments, where the well-being of residents is the paramount concern.