What is a firefighter's first step upon receiving a dispatch call?

The first step a firefighter takes upon receiving a dispatch call is to don appropriate gear and mobilize to the scene. This is crucial because time is often of the essence in emergency response situations. When a call comes in, firefighters need to be prepared to respond immediately, with personal protective equipment (PPE) that safeguards them from the hazards they may encounter at the scene of the incident.

Wearing the proper gear not only ensures the firefighter's safety but also enables them to perform their duties effectively once they arrive on scene. Rapid mobilization is vital as it affects the overall response time to emergencies such as fires, medical emergencies, or hazardous material incidents.

The other options, while important in the overall response process, occur either during or after the initial mobilization. Reading dispatch notes carefully is essential for understanding the specifics of the situation, but reacting quickly by gearing up is the priority. Checking equipment readiness is a part of pre-incident preparation rather than the immediate response to a dispatch call. Contacting command for further instructions may be necessary in some scenarios, but initial actions always focus on gearing up and heading out to the incident.