What is the criterion for a risk/benefit analysis in emergency decision-making?

• A. risk lives to save property
• B. risk nothing to save nothing
• C. risk lives to save lives
• D. risk tools and equipment to save property

Answer: (C)

In emergency decision-making, saving lives is the guiding goal. The risk/benefit analysis weighs how much risk to responders is justified by the likelihood and magnitude of lifesaving outcomes. The best criterion is to risk lives to save lives—when there’s a real chance to rescue people, that lifesaving benefit justifies taking on some risk. This reflects the priority of human life over property or equipment, which may be important but do not trump the need to protect people. Choices that focus on protecting property or avoiding any risk fail to match the fundamental aim of keeping people safe.