When a vehicle is submerged or sinking, which is a primary concern?

When a vehicle is submerged or sinking, the primary concern is getting the occupants out quickly. In such situations, every second counts, as the risk of drowning increases rapidly when a vehicle is in water. It is critical for responders to ensure that individuals trapped inside the vehicle are evacuated as swiftly as possible to prevent them from succumbing to water inhalation or being injured further by the vehicle's descent.

The urgency of the situation means that time-sensitive actions, like extricating individuals from danger, take precedence over gathering information, such as phone numbers or counting occupants. While it is also important to ascertain the well-being of the occupants and any injuries they may have sustained, this should come after ensuring their immediate safety, which is why rapidly getting them out of the vehicle stands out as the chief priority. Ensuring that individuals are rescued quickly reduces the likelihood of serious consequences and enhances their chances of survival.