During a fire emergency, what should a nurse aide do first according to the RACE protocol?

In a fire emergency, the first step according to the RACE protocol is to remove residents from danger. This is crucial because the safety of individuals is the top priority during a fire situation. Ensuring that all residents are evacuated from immediate danger reduces the risk of injury or loss of life.

By focusing on removing residents first, nurse aides can help to ensure that those who may be unable to evacuate on their own receive the assistance they need to stay safe. This action also allows for a clearer environment in which to address the fire, as personnel can focus on managing the situation without the distraction of attending to individuals who may still be in harm's way.

While activating the alarm, containing the fire, and extinguishing the fire are all important steps in the emergency response protocol, they follow the immediate priority of ensuring all residents are safe from danger.