What should be the first step in responding to a crisis?

The first step in responding to a crisis should be to assess the situation and ensure safety. This step is crucial because the immediate priority during any crisis is the well-being of everyone involved. Assessing the situation helps identify potential dangers and enables responders to determine the need for emergency intervention, such as removing individuals from harmful environments or providing first aid if necessary.

By ensuring safety first, responders can then focus on the next steps, such as communicating effectively, providing emotional support, or documenting the incident without compromising anyone's safety. Creating a secure environment is foundational to addressing the other aspects of crisis intervention since effective communication and support cannot take place if the situation remains potentially dangerous.