Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) Practice Exam

What should be the first step in the post-crash shutdown procedure?

1. Activate emergency beacon

2. Turn off the throttle

3. Notify dispatch

4. Evacuate the aircraft

The correct answer is: Turn off the throttle

The first step in the post-crash shutdown procedure is to turn off the throttle. This action is critical as it helps prevent further fuel flow to the engine, reducing the risk of fire or explosion, which are significant hazards following a crash. By shutting off the throttle, you ensure that the aircraft is safely immobilized and that all systems are being brought to a zero-power state to mitigate additional dangers. While other actions, such as activating an emergency beacon or notifying dispatch, are also important in ensuring safety and alerting authorities, they should follow the immediate step of turning off the throttle to prioritize the safety of everyone involved. Evacuating the aircraft is vital as well, but this should only happen after taking measures to secure the aircraft’s systems. Thus, starting with the throttle ensures that there is no risk of exacerbating the situation right after a crash.