Which of the following is NOT a function of a first responder at the awareness level?

The correct choice highlights that taking action to protect the public is not a function of a first responder at the awareness level. First responders at the awareness level are tasked primarily with recognizing a hazardous situation and notifying the proper authorities. Their role involves identifying potential hazards, reporting them, and ensuring that trained personnel handle the situation effectively.

While they play a critical role in alerting others and managing the initial response to hazards, they are trained to avoid direct intervention that could put them or others in danger. Actions to protect the public, such as evacuating areas or controlling situations, require skills and responsibilities that fall under more advanced levels of training, such as operational responders or specialized HazMat teams. These trained individuals have the equipment, knowledge, and authority to engage with hazardous materials safely.

In this context, functions like notifying authorities, assessing the scene, and reporting hazards are aligned with the awareness level responsibilities, focusing on communication and coordination rather than direct intervention.