Which option completes 'Risk lives to' in the risk guidelines?

• A. Save property
• B. Save nothing
• C. Save equipment
• D. Save lives

Answer: (D)

Prioritizing human life in risk decision-making. The guideline emphasizes that rescuers should risk lives to save lives, and only risk small amounts to save property or equipment, or none to save equipment. In this item, the natural completion is to say “save lives,” which aligns with the core directive: the primary objective is to preserve life first.

This is why it’s the best answer. Saving lives is the priority in dangerous operations, and actions are weighed against how much risk to the team is required to achieve that rescue. The other possibilities—focusing on property, equipment, or avoiding action altogether—do not reflect the same life-first stance and would imply accepting greater risk or not pursuing the life-saving opportunity.