What should rescuers do before stabilizing a vehicle on its roof?

Before stabilizing a vehicle on its roof, the primary focus for rescuers is to ensure their own safety through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). When a vehicle is overturned, it can present various hazards such as broken glass, sharp metal edges, or exposure to hazardous materials. By donning appropriate PPE, including helmets, gloves, eye protection, and other gear, rescuers protect themselves from injuries during the stabilization process.

Although assessing the vehicle's fuel system, checking the windows, and placing cribbing under the tires are all important steps in the overall rescue procedure, these actions are secondary to the crucial step of ensuring personal safety first. The use of PPE is a foundational principle in any emergency response, particularly in potentially dangerous environments like that of an overturned vehicle where unknown risks may be present.