You are approaching the scene and are told that an 8-year-old boy has fallen from a 20-foot cliff and his friends are watching from a safe distance at the top of the cliff. What should you make of this report?

The best approach in this scenario is to consider the information in the size-up. By conducting a size-up, you assess the situation thoroughly before taking action. This allows you to gather critical details about the incident, such as the boy's condition, the terrain, any potential hazards, and the dynamics of the situation, including the presence of bystanders like the friends who witnessed the fall.

Taking time to gather this information is crucial for ensuring a safe and effective response. It facilitates informed decision-making regarding the necessary resources, risk factors, and any immediate actions needed to assist the child. Rushing to act without this context could result in overlooking important details that might affect the safety of both the rescuer and the victim. Hence, the effective initial response involves careful assessment rather than immediate action.