In the chronology of a disaster, who are typically the initial rescuers?

• A. Professional emergency medical teams arriving later
• B. Victims or responders from the zone of fringe impact
• C. International aid organizations
• D. Local hospitals and clinics starting triage

Answer: (B)

The initial rescuers are the people closest to the scene—the victims themselves or responders from the zone of fringe impact. In the moments right after a disaster, those in the fringe area are still near the danger and can act quickly: they pull others to safety, provide basic first aid, and alert authorities. Their rapid actions help stabilize the situation and guide the arrival of formal help. Professional emergency medical teams come in after the scene has been assessed and after activation and mobilization procedures are set in motion, while international aid organizations and hospital triage play larger roles once the immediate on-scene rescue is underway or complete. Local hospitals start triage when casualties reach care facilities, not during the initial on-scene rescue.