What are the initial steps to take during a fire emergency in an LTC facility?

Activating the fire alarm is the crucial first step during a fire emergency in a long-term care facility. This action alerts not only staff and residents to the danger but also notifies emergency services to respond quickly. Once the alarm has been sounded, assisting with resident evacuation is vital to ensure their safety. Residents, particularly those who may be vulnerable or require assistance, need help in evacuating from the potentially hazardous environment.

While other options play important roles in emergency procedures, they are not the immediate actions to take. Gathering staff in a common area can lead to confusion and delay in responding to the fire. Performing a headcount may happen later to ensure all residents and staff are safe but is not the immediate priority during an active fire situation. Securing resident doors instead could be counterproductive; while it may have some benefit in a fire requiring containment, the primary focus should be on evacuation and safety. Thus, the correct sequence of actions begins with triggering the alarm and ensuring that residents are assisted as they evacuate from the danger.