What is the first step in the PASS technique for using a fire extinguisher?

The first step in the PASS technique is to pull the pin. This step is crucial because the pin serves as a safety mechanism that prevents accidental discharge of the extinguisher. By pulling the pin, the user unlocks the extinguisher and makes it ready to operate. This action is essential as it allows the subsequent steps—aiming the nozzle, squeezing the handle, and sweeping the nozzle to direct the extinguishing agent at the base of the fire—to be performed effectively. Properly following this sequence ensures that the user can respond swiftly and safely to a fire emergency.