What should the first arriving paramedic unit do upon their arrival?

Upon arrival at an emergency scene, the first arriving paramedic unit should prioritize checking in with the incident command structure. This action is essential for ensuring that all responding units are aware of each other's presence and status, allowing for coordinated efforts in providing care and managing the incident. By checking in at the lobby or designated command post, the paramedics can receive critical updates about the situation, including any hazards, the number of patients, and specific assignments that may be needed based on incident priorities.

Establishing a staging area typically occurs as more units arrive, but the first unit's immediate responsibility is to establish communication with the incident command. Contacting the incident commander is crucial for obtaining directives on how to proceed, ensuring that appropriate resources are allocated and deployed effectively. Requesting additional resources is generally based on the assessment of the situation and the existing plan communicated through the incident command, which underscores the importance of the paramedic unit's initial check-in. Therefore, checking in at the lobby is critical to ensure that the response is well-coordinated and that the safety of both responders and patients is prioritized.