What should a guard prioritize when responding to an incident?

In any incident response situation, the primary focus must be on ensuring one's own safety as well as the safety of others involved. This is fundamental to effective security practice, as a security guard who does not prioritize safety may become part of the problem rather than a part of the solution. By ensuring safety first, a guard can effectively assess the situation, make informed decisions, and take appropriate actions without putting themselves or others at risk.

Once safety is secured, then elements such as resolving the incident, gathering evidence, or communicating with others, like law enforcement or media, can be handled without jeopardizing any individual’s well-being. Focusing solely on the resolution or evidence collection without addressing safety could lead to escalations or further complications in the incident. Thus, prioritizing safety is a critical and responsible approach in the field of security.