CNA Certification (Written Exam)Infection Control and SafetyMedium
A fire breaks out in a resident's room, and the nurse aide is the first to discover it. Following the RACE protocol, what is the FIRST action the aide should take?
- AExtinguish the fire with a nearby extinguisher
- BRescue anyone in immediate danger
- CConfine the fire by closing the door
- DActivate the fire alarm
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Rescue anyone in immediate danger
RACE stands for Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish. The first priority is always to rescue anyone in immediate danger from the fire before doing anything else.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Extinguishing is the last step and only attempted if the fire is small and safe to fight.
- C. Confining the fire is the third step, done after alarm activation.
- D. Activating the alarm is the second step, after ensuring immediate rescue.
RACE Protocol - Rescue Step
RACE is the fire response sequence: Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish. Rescue is always the first step to protect anyone in immediate danger.
- R = Rescue people in danger first
- A = Alarm to alert others
- C = Confine by closing doors
- E = Extinguish only if safe
Memory trick: Race to rescue first, then sound the alarm.