During the termination of a Level I VME incident, what should follow scene control?

Following scene control during the termination of a Level I Vehicle and Machinery Extrication incident, the restoration of operational readiness is essential. This step ensures that all equipment and resources used during the incident are returned to a state where they are ready for future emergencies. This includes checking and maintaining tools, gear, and vehicles to ensure they are functional and available for the next call.

Restoration of operational readiness encompasses not only physical checks and maintenance but also can involve logistical assessments—such as inventorying equipment to confirm that all necessary tools are accounted for and in working order. This process is crucial for the safety and efficiency of future extrication operations.

While patient transport records, equipment cleansing, and emergency vehicle standby are important components in the broader context of emergency response management, they do not directly follow scene control in terms of immediate operational recovery. Instead, they are part of the overall process but are not as critical as ensuring that the responding unit is ready for the next incident.