Illinois HazMat Ops Practice Exam

What is a primary responsibility of a First Responder at the Awareness Level during a hazmat incident?

1. Performing offensive actions to contain the material

2. Calling for help and securing the scene

3. Determining the identity of hazardous materials on-site

4. Evacuating individuals from the scene without assistance

The correct answer is: Calling for help and securing the scene

A primary responsibility of a First Responder at the Awareness Level during a hazmat incident is to call for help and secure the scene. This role is fundamental because First Responders at this level are not expected to engage in any direct response actions involving containment or mitigation of the hazardous material. Instead, they must recognize the risks associated with hazardous materials and take immediate steps to ensure safety by establishing a secure perimeter and preventing unauthorized personnel from entering the affected area. Securing the scene allows for a safe and organized response by trained personnel who can handle the complexities and dangers of the situation. By promptly calling for help, First Responders ensure that additional resources can arrive to manage the incident properly, which is crucial for both the safety of the responders and any civilians in the area while also facilitating an effective response to the hazardous situation.