ATI Content Mastery Series (CMS) Leadership Practice Test

Protecting people takes priority in a fire emergency. The standard RACE sequence follows Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish because it puts life safety first, then getting others alerted, then limiting the fire’s spread, and only then addressing the fire itself if it can be done safely. Move quickly to remove anyone in immediate danger, but only if you can do so without putting yourself at risk. After that, trigger the alarm to notify others and summon help. Then take steps to contain the fire—close doors, isolate the area, and prevent escalation. Extinguish the fire only if you have a clear escape path and the right equipment, and you can do so safely. Options that start with Evacuate or use nonstandard terms don’t align with this order or with established fire-response language. The phrase and steps rescue, alarm, contain, extinguish reflect the prioritized sequence most instructors expect, emphasizing saving lives first, then limiting damage, then tackling the fire if appropriate.