What is the correct order of the 5 Cs for UXO/IED operations?

What is the correct order of the 5 Cs for UXO/IED operations?

• A. Confirm, Clear, Cordon, Check, Control
• B. Cordon, Confirm, Clear, Check, Control
• C. Confirm, Cordon, Clear, Check, Control
• D. Clear, Confirm, Cordon, Check, Control

Answer: (A)

The sequence emphasizes reducing risk and creating a safe working environment before moving deeper into the scene. Start by confirming the presence and nature of the hazard. This prevents acting on assumptions and ensures responders understand what they’re dealing with, guiding what resources and precautions are needed. Next, prioritize clearing the area. Evacuating nonessential personnel swiftly lowers the chance of civilian injury if the device is live and gives responders a safer space to operate. Once people are out of harm’s way, establish a cordon to create a secure perimeter that prevents unauthorized access and preserves the scene for the investigation and response. With the area secured and people kept at a safe distance, proceed to check for secondary hazards such as additional devices or booby traps. This step helps ensure there aren’t hidden threats that could compound the danger later. Finally, maintain control of the scene. Keeping tight command over access, movement, and information ensures orderly operations, reduces confusion, and helps protect everyone involved. Other orders would risk delaying evacuation, or delaying perimeter security, which could increase risk to bystanders and complicate the response.

The sequence emphasizes reducing risk and creating a safe working environment before moving deeper into the scene. Start by confirming the presence and nature of the hazard. This prevents acting on assumptions and ensures responders understand what they’re dealing with, guiding what resources and precautions are needed.

Next, prioritize clearing the area. Evacuating nonessential personnel swiftly lowers the chance of civilian injury if the device is live and gives responders a safer space to operate. Once people are out of harm’s way, establish a cordon to create a secure perimeter that prevents unauthorized access and preserves the scene for the investigation and response.

With the area secured and people kept at a safe distance, proceed to check for secondary hazards such as additional devices or booby traps. This step helps ensure there aren’t hidden threats that could compound the danger later.

Finally, maintain control of the scene. Keeping tight command over access, movement, and information ensures orderly operations, reduces confusion, and helps protect everyone involved.

Other orders would risk delaying evacuation, or delaying perimeter security, which could increase risk to bystanders and complicate the response.