What is the first step in the Mayday checklist?

The first step in the Mayday checklist is to confirm who is in distress, what the situation is, and where it is taking place. This step is essential because it focuses on gathering critical information that helps ensure an effective response to the emergency. By confirming the identity of the individual or team in trouble, understanding what has happened, and knowing the precise location, incident command can mobilize the appropriate resources and coordinate a timely rescue effort.

The other steps, while important, come after this initial assessment. Notifying the Emergency Communications Dispatch Center (ECDC) of the Mayday is crucial for formal documentation and response coordination, but it relies on the clarity established during the initial confirmation of the situation. Holding radio traffic is a communication protocol that can manage interference on the channel during emergencies, but it does not directly address the incident or provide necessary situational awareness for rescue. Deploying a Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) and assigning backup is vital for executing a rescue, but again, it follows the identification and confirmation of the circumstances surrounding the Mayday call. By establishing this basic situational understanding, responders can effectively prioritize their actions and resources.