In a trench rescue, which step comes first?

• A. Begin decontamination
• B. Ventilate the trench
• C. Shore up the collapse site
• D. Rescue the victim

Answer: (C)

Stabilizing the collapse site is the first priority because the immediate danger in a trench is further soil movement. If the walls or soils shift again, any attempt to enter, reach the victim, or set up equipment can trigger a larger collapse, trap rescuers, or bury the victim deeper. By shoreing or bracing the trench and securing the excavation, you create a safe, stable working environment and preserve the chance to perform a controlled rescue.

Only after the trench is stabilized do responders move on to other actions. Decontamination is addressed when contamination is present and after safe access is established. Ventilation is important if the atmosphere inside the trench is hazardous, but it won’t be effective or safe to address until the structure is stabilized. The actual rescue follows once stability and safety checks are in place, allowing a controlled and safer extraction of the victim.