When handling a multi-vehicle collision, what is the typical dispatch and on-scene sequence?

• A. Dispatch only police; on-scene fire
• B. On-scene first, call for more units after
• C. Do not triage; treat all at once
• D. Dispatch enough EMS and fire units; on-scene triage and patient care; scene safety and traffic control; extrication if needed

Answer: (D)

In handling a multi-vehicle collision, the priority is to have enough EMS and fire units dispatched so that, on arrival, responders can quickly perform on-scene triage and patient care without delays. On scene, rapid triage sorts casualties by severity so the most critically injured receive attention first, while patient care begins promptly to address life-threatening needs. Scene safety and traffic control are essential throughout to protect both patients and responders and to prevent secondary crashes, creating a safe working area. Extrication is addressed if vehicles are entangled or occupants are trapped, so access to patients is possible. This sequence ensures resources are matched to the scene, patients are prioritized effectively, safety is maintained, and any necessary removal of victims from vehicles is done efficiently.