What is the main responsibility of the first responder at a hazardous materials incident?

The main responsibility of the first responder at a hazardous materials incident is to explain their role and ensure that they are operating within their training and limitations. This includes recognizing the situation, assessing the potential hazards, and determining the appropriate actions to take. A first responder must prioritize their own safety and the safety of the public before attempting to manage the hazardous situation.

While containing hazardous materials, providing medical assistance, and securing evidence are important roles in various emergency incidents, these actions fall within the scope of specialized responders or additional personnel who arrive later. The first responder’s primary task is to evaluate the scene and communicate their position—both to themselves and to other responding teams—about what measures need to be implemented for overall safety and coordination. Hence, emphasizing the first responder's role allows for effective management and control of the incident until specialized teams can take over.