What should a medical assistant do in the event of a fire?

In the event of a fire, the priority for a medical assistant is to ensure the safety of patients and staff. Helping to evacuate endangered patients is critical because individuals in a healthcare setting may have mobility issues or require assistance to leave the area quickly. Medical assistants have the training and responsibility to act swiftly in such emergencies, understanding that their actions can directly impact the safety of those who are unable to evacuate on their own.

This approach aligns with the established protocols for emergencies in healthcare settings, where patient safety and immediate response are paramount. While remaining calm and assessing the situation is important, and attending to patient belongings may seem compassionate, these actions should be secondary to ensuring the evacuation of those who are at risk. Making a call to the fire department is essential, but it should occur after ensuring that patients are safe and in the process of being evacuated, rather than as a primary response. Therefore, the emphasis on evacuating endangered patients is the most appropriate and urgent action in this scenario.