TCFP Plans Examiner Practice Test

What is the first step in evacuating a single room in a nursing home?

1. Activate the fire alarm

2. Report to the incident commander

3. Call the fire department

4. Close the room door

The correct answer is: Call the fire department

The first step in evacuating a single room in a nursing home involves ensuring the safety of all residents and alerting emergency services to the situation. While it is critical to activate fire alarms and keep communication lines open with an incident commander, these actions typically follow the initial and immediate response to a situation where evacuation is required. Calling the fire department is fundamental to securing professional assistance and ensuring that appropriate rescue measures are implemented. This alert informs them of the emergency, so they can respond promptly, which is especially crucial in a nursing home environment where populations may require additional help due to mobility or cognitive challenges. This response prioritizes the safety of the residents, ensuring that trained personnel are on the way to manage the situation appropriately. Once help is on the way, other actions such as activating alarms, reporting to incident command, and closing the room door to contain the situation can effectively follow to enhance safety protocols.