Which of the following is considered the first priority in incident management?

The first priority in incident management is the safety of people involved. This principle is fundamental to the Incident Command System (ICS) and ensures that all actions taken during an incident response prioritize the protection of responders, victims, and the general public. Safeguarding lives underpins effective incident management, as any response that compromises safety could lead to escalation of the situation or additional casualties.

While incident stabilization, establishing an Incident Command Post, and coordinating with off-incident personnel are all important components of an effective response, they come secondary to ensuring that everyone involved is safe. Prioritizing safety allows for a well-organized and effective response to be implemented without unnecessary risks. This focus on safety aligns with the overall goals of emergency management, which center on life preservation and risk reduction.