Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

In the event of a major disaster, what should be your immediate priority?

1. Collecting information for reports

2. Protecting human life and calling for help

3. Documenting the incident for future reference

4. Evacuating non-essential personnel only

The correct answer is: Protecting human life and calling for help

In the event of a major disaster, the immediate priority is to protect human life and call for help. This is essential because the safety and well-being of individuals in the affected area, whether they are colleagues, animals, or the general public, must always come first. When a disaster strikes, ensuring that everyone is accounted for and safe is crucial, as it can significantly impact the outcome of the situation. Calling for help is also a critical part of this response. Promptly notifying the appropriate emergency services can ensure that professional assistance arrives quickly to manage the crisis effectively. This includes firefighters, medical personnel, and disaster response teams, all of whom are equipped to deal with emergencies. While other actions, such as documenting the incident or collecting information for reports, are important for record-keeping and analysis after the immediate threat has been addressed, they should not take precedence over preserving life and ensuring safety during such a critical time. Evacuating non-essential personnel may also be a necessary step, but the primary focus should always be on protecting human life first.