What should be ensured about the victim's condition before conducting a rescue?

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the victim is safe from any hazards before conducting a rescue. This is critical because addressing the safety of the scene is the foremost priority in any rescue situation. If the victim is in an unsafe environment, moving them without first mitigating the hazards can lead to further injury, not only for the victim but also for the rescuer.

Ensuring that the area is free of dangers means assessing potential risks such as electrical hazards, fire, moving vehicles, or unstable structures. By creating a safe environment for both the rescuer and the victim, you reduce the likelihood of complicating the situation or causing additional harm.

While factors such as consciousness and the ability of the victim to assist, immobilization, and fixing the location are also important considerations in rescue scenarios, they come secondary to ensuring a safe environment. Focusing on safety allows rescuers to act effectively without putting themselves at risk.