What type of assessment should occur before any rescue operation begins?

Prior to any rescue operation, conducting a risk assessment to identify hazards is crucial as it sets the foundational safety protocols for the mission. This assessment involves evaluating the scene for potential dangers that could impact both rescuers and victims, such as structural instability, hazardous materials, or situational factors like ongoing traffic or the presence of fire.

Understanding these risks allows rescue teams to develop strategies to mitigate these hazards, ensuring the safety of all personnel involved and improving the overall effectiveness of the rescue operation. By identifying these risks beforehand, the rescuers can make informed decisions regarding the resources needed, the rescue techniques that can be safely employed, and the need for additional specialized personnel or equipment.

Other assessments, like the health and psychological evaluations, while important in their own right, focus primarily on the wellbeing of rescuers and victims, rather than the immediate environment that will dictate the dynamics of the rescue effort. An environmental assessment is also important, but it typically falls under the broader scope of the risk assessment, which will include environmental factors among the hazards.