What should be considered before a 400-series traffic crash response?

• A. Medical aid, scene safety, evidence preservation, and traffic control.
• B. Vehicle speed to the scene, only pursuit.
• C. Polling bystanders only.
• D. Focus on writing a report after clearing the scene.

Answer: (A)

In a 400-series traffic crash response, the priorities are medical aid, scene safety, evidence preservation, and traffic control. Medical aid should be addressed immediately to help anyone injured, but you must not delay that aid for other tasks. Securing the scene protects everyone—responders, victims, and bystanders—from hazards and helps prevent further injuries. Directing traffic or establishing a safe perimeter reduces the risk of secondary crashes and keeps emergency vehicles clear to operate. Preserving evidence is also crucial, meaning you protect the scene, document what you see, and avoid unnecessary changes that could affect the investigation.

This is the best choice because it encompasses all four essential elements. The other options fall short: focusing on how fast you arrive or pursuing vehicles ignores safety and proper scene management; polling bystanders alone provides incomplete or unreliable information; and delaying toward a report after the scene is cleared neglects immediate life-saving and safety tasks required during the response.