In the RACE mnemonic for fire response, what does the letter "R" stand for?

The letter "R" in the RACE mnemonic stands for "Rescue." This is the first crucial step in responding to a fire emergency. The primary goal of the rescue phase is to ensure the safety of individuals who may be in immediate danger due to the fire. This involves quickly assessing the situation to determine if there are people in the vicinity who need assistance and guiding them to safety, away from the fire and smoke.

By prioritizing rescue, healthcare professionals and patient care technicians can minimize harm to individuals and focus on evacuation protocols to ensure that everyone is accounted for. Understanding this aspect of emergency response is vital in creating a safe environment in healthcare settings.

While the other terms like "Respond," "Release," and "Remove" may relate to actions taken during a fire emergency, they do not encapsulate the critical first step of ensuring personal safety through rescue.