When preparing for the arrival of multiple victims after a bus accident, what should the nurse do first?

In the scenario of preparing for the arrival of multiple victims from a bus accident, the priority is to ensure that adequate support and resources are mobilized to handle the influx of patients effectively. Calling the nearest crisis response team is crucial because these teams are specially trained to assist in mass casualty incidents, providing critical resources, triage support, and additional medical personnel when needed.

This action directly addresses the immediate requirement for efficient and organized emergency response, which is vital in scenarios with multiple casualties. By activating the crisis response team, the nurse is ensuring that the hospital is equipped to manage the situation appropriately and that key support systems are in place.

The other options, while potentially valuable in certain contexts, do not address the immediate needs of triaging and treating victims of a mass casualty event. Notifying the hospital volunteer office, alerting the news media, or contacting the school could be relevant later in the process, but they do not provide immediate assistance for the care of the victims arriving at the hospital now. Thus, mobilizing crisis response resources is the most critical first step.