What is the first tactical concern when responding to a roadway incident scene?

The primary tactical concern when responding to a roadway incident scene is determining where to safely locate the response vehicle(s). Proper vehicle placement is crucial for several reasons: it ensures the safety of emergency personnel, allows for effective access to the scene, and helps in managing traffic around the incident. By positioning response vehicles strategically, officers can create a safe working environment, protect both themselves and victims at the scene, and facilitate the flow of traffic to prevent further accidents or complications.

Once vehicles are correctly positioned, other actions such as securing the area, assessing casualties, and establishing communication can follow. However, without a safe and effective location for the response vehicles, the risk of additional incidents increases, making the safe location of vehicles the top priority in such situations.