What is the correct order of the steps in the RACE protocol?

• A. Rescue, Activate, Confine, Extinguish
• B. Rescue, Confine, Activate, Extinguish
• C. Activate, Rescue, Confine, Extinguish
• D. Confine, Extinguish, Rescue, Activate

Answer: (A)

The order being tested is a life-safety sequence for responding to a fire. The steps move from protecting people to controlling the situation to attempting extinction, in a way that prioritizes safety.

First, rescue anyone in immediate danger if you can do so without putting yourself at risk. The priority is to get people out of harm’s way before anything else.

Next, activate the fire alarm to alert others and summon help. Prompt notification helps others evacuate quickly and makes emergency responders aware of the situation.

Then, confine the fire by closing doors and taking steps to limit its spread, which helps protect more people and buy time for evacuation and response.

Finally, extinguish the fire if you have the proper training and a suitable extinguisher, and it is safe to do so. This step comes last because you should only attempt it once people are safe, the fire is contained, and you can act without endangering yourself.

If the fire is spreading rapidly or you cannot rescue safely, prioritize evacuation and calling for help rather than attempting to fight the fire.