What does the first response team need to do during a mayday situation?

In a mayday situation, the first response team must prioritize the safety of all personnel and efficiently manage the incident. Clearing all units for the mayday is critical because it directly addresses the emergency at hand by ensuring that all resources and personnel are aware of the situation and can respond accordingly. This action helps in maintaining communication and ensuring that other units can stand by or prepare to assist, which is vital in preventing misunderstandings or communication overlap during an already stressful situation.

While establishing a new command structure is an important consideration for managing larger incidents, it may not be immediate or essential during the initial stages of a mayday call. Activating alert systems is typically a procedural follow-up rather than a direct action taken by the first response team. Requesting additional resources is necessary, but it typically follows the initial action of clearing units and assessing the immediate needs on the ground. The focus should first be on ensuring that all responding units are aware and prepared to assist in the mayday response.