What is one potential danger a rescuer must assess before beginning a rescue?

Assessing the structural integrity of nearby buildings is critical for a rescuer before beginning a rescue. This evaluation ensures that the environment around the victim is safe to operate in, as there may be additional hazards such as collapsing walls, falling debris, or other dangerous conditions that could pose risks to both the rescuer and the victim. The safety of the rescuer and the victim is paramount, and awareness of structural stability directly affects the planning and execution of the rescue operation.

While the other potential dangers listed, such as the victim's emotional state or weather predictions, might be important to consider in different contexts, they do not pose an immediate physical risk to the rescuer's safety. Approach routes for emergency services may also be relevant for operational efficiency, but ensuring structural stability takes precedence, as it directly relates to the safety of everyone involved in the rescue operation.