After the fire alarm is sounded, what should the medical assistant do?

• A. Call 911 from inside
• B. Grab valuables
• C. Get all patients out, close doors, and exit building
• D. Stay with patients to assist

Answer: (C)

When a fire alarm sounds, the priority is to get everyone out of the building quickly and safely. The action that best fits this is to evacuate all patients, close doors behind you to help contain smoke and flames, and exit the building to a designated safe area. Closing doors helps slow the spread of fire and smoke, giving responders time and reducing danger for those being moved. The main goal is to remove people from danger first, then account for everyone at the safe location.

Calling emergency services is important, but it should be done from a safe location after you’ve evacuated or if you cannot evacuate due to a block or obstacle. Grabbing valuables wastes precious time and delays evacuation, and staying inside to assist can put you and others at greater risk. Focus on moving patients to safety and then following directions from responders once outside.