In the event of a fire, what is the first step a QMED should take?

The first step a QMED should take in the event of a fire is to activate the fire alarm. This action is crucial because it alerts the entire crew to the presence of a fire, enabling a coordinated response to address the emergency. Activating the fire alarm initiates established protocols for fire response, including the mobilization of firefighting teams and safe evacuation procedures, should they be necessary.

This prompt notification is vital because it ensures that everyone on board is aware of the situation and can prepare to respond appropriately, either by fighting the fire or evacuating to a safe location. Safety protocols dictate that immediate communication about the fire is paramount before individual actions, such as shutting down machinery or gathering extinguishers, which may be effective but are secondary to ensuring everyone is aware of the emergency.