What is the first action an EOD technician should take upon discovering a suspicious package?

When an EOD technician encounters a suspicious package, the first action should be to evacuate the area and report the finding. This is crucial for ensuring the safety of all personnel nearby, as the package may potentially contain an explosive or hazardous materials. By evacuating the area, the technician prevents exposure to any potential danger while maintaining a safe perimeter for emergency response teams to operate effectively.

Reporting the finding is equally important, as it prompts the appropriate authorities and EOD specialists to assess the situation with the necessary expertise and resources. This initial response emphasizes adherence to safety protocols and ensures that trained professionals can conduct a thorough evaluation of the package without risking harm to individuals in the vicinity.

Opening the package or attempting to move it without assessing its contents poses unnecessary risks, and ignoring it could lead to dangerous situations if the package is indeed hazardous. Therefore, evacuating and reporting are the correct and safest initial steps in such scenarios.