In a motor-vehicle crash, what should you do first when assessing a severely damaged vehicle?

In a scenario involving a severely damaged vehicle following a motor-vehicle crash, the initial priority should be ensuring the safety of both the emergency responder and any potential victims inside the vehicle. By ensuring that there are no hazards present, you assess the environment for potential dangers such as leaking fuel, fire, or unstable vehicle positioning that could compromise the safety of everyone involved.

After confirming hazardous conditions are mitigated, attempting to open one of the doors becomes a logical step. This action allows access to the patient within the vehicle while also facilitating observation of their condition. It is essential to conduct this assessment methodically to avoid causing further injury to the patient or putting yourself at risk.

The other options, while they might address the situation, do not prioritize the safety assessment necessary before engaging with the crash scene. For instance, approaching the vehicle without first assessing stability could lead to injury. Disconnecting the battery cables is a secondary step that should only be performed once hazards have been evaluated, and breaking windows may lead to unnecessary injury to the patient unless absolutely necessary for immediate access. Therefore, confirming that there are no hazards and then trying to open a door is the most appropriate and prudent first action to take.