What should be the first action taken if smoke is noticed in a patient's room?

The most appropriate first action when smoke is noticed in a patient's room is to rescue the people in immediate danger. In emergency situations, especially concerning fire, prioritizing the safety of individuals at risk is crucial. This means promptly ensuring that anyone in immediate danger, such as patients who may be unable to evacuate themselves without assistance, gets moved to safety.

While activating the fire alarm and calling for backup support are important steps in the fire response protocol, the urgency of protecting lives takes precedence. Assessing the situation could delay necessary action; therefore, immediate intervention to rescue those affected is the most critical initial response. This swift action can prevent injury or worsening of the situation for vulnerable individuals in that environment.