What is the first consideration when responding to a scene?

The first consideration when responding to a scene is your safety. Ensuring your personal safety is paramount to effectively conduct any investigation. If you are not safe, you cannot assist others or perform your duties efficiently.

In many scenarios, especially those involving possible criminal activity or hazardous environments, assessing and maintaining personal safety allows you to evaluate the situation adequately. Once you are safe, then you can move on to ensuring the safety of others and preserving evidence, as these factors will rely on your ability to operate effectively in that environment. Safety is the foundation that enables any subsequent actions to protect others and collect evidence properly.