When encountering a fire caused by a patient in a clinic, which is the first step that should be taken?

In the event of a fire caused by a patient in a clinic, the first step that should be taken is to rescue the patient. The primary concern in any emergency situation, including a fire, is to ensure the safety of individuals who are directly affected. Rescuing the patient involves assessing their condition and safely evacuating them from the area of danger, thereby prioritizing human life above all else.

In a clinical setting, patients may be incapacitated or unable to react quickly in emergencies. Therefore, taking immediate action to ensure their safety is crucial. Once the patient is out of harm's way, other steps such as sounding the alarm, trying to extinguish the fire, or closing doors to contain it can be addressed in order of priority, following established safety protocols. This approach is consistent with the principles of fire safety, which emphasize protecting lives first before addressing property or containment issues.