Which is the highest priority action when a fire is discovered in a healthcare facility?

Fire safety in healthcare facilities uses the RACE acronym: R = RESCUE — clients in immediate danger first; move ambulatory clients first, then assistive clients, then non-ambulatory; A = ALARM — pull the nearest fire alarm, dial the facility emergency code, notify other staff; C = CONTAIN — close doors and windows to contain fire and smoke (a closed door significantly slows fire spread); E = EXTINGUISH (if small and safe) using the PASS technique for fire extinguishers, OR EVACUATE if fire is too large. PASS for fire extinguishers: P = Pull the pin, A = Aim at the base of the fire, S = Squeeze the handle, S = Sweep side to side. Extinguisher types: Class A (ordinary combustibles - paper, wood), Class B (flammable liquids - oil, gas), Class C (electrical), Class D (combustible metals), Class K (kitchen - cooking oils/fats); ABC extinguishers are most common in hospitals. Evacuation priority: ambulatory first (they can move themselves), wheelchair/assisted next, bedridden last (using sheets/blankets to slide them, evacuation chairs). Horizontal evacuation (to next fire compartment) before vertical (down stairs). Never use elevators during a fire.