When responding to an incident involving an intoxicated individual what should you do first?

In situations involving an intoxicated individual, the first priority is ensuring the safety of everyone involved, including yourself, by having additional support on the scene. Calling for backup enables you to secure assistance from other trained professionals who can approach the individual safely and may have more experience in handling potentially volatile situations. It allows for more effective management of the incident, as additional personnel can help in de-escalating the situation or providing necessary medical support if needed.

Negotiating with the subject can be effective, but it may be dangerous to engage directly without sufficient support, especially if the individual is highly intoxicated. Attempting to seize any weapon poses a significant risk to personal safety, and it is not advisable to confront someone who may be unpredictable due to substance use. Leaving the area is counterproductive as it neglects the responsibility to intervene and ensure the safety of the environment. Therefore, calling for backup is the most appropriate initial response.