Which sequence best describes the recommended steps when intervening with a subject in an apparent crisis?

Which sequence best describes the recommended steps when intervening with a subject in an apparent crisis?

• A. Try to get the person's attention; Approach - safety considerations; Check on the person's perception of reality; Move toward resolution of the situation; Explain your perception of reality
• B. Explain your perception of reality; Move toward resolution of the situation; Approach - safety considerations; Try to get the person's attention; Check on the person's perception of reality
• C. Approach - safety considerations; Try to get the person's attention; Check on the person's perception of reality; Try to establish rapport with the person; Explain your perception of reality; Move toward resolution of the situation
• D. Move toward resolution of the situation; Approach - safety considerations; Check on the person's perception of reality; Try to establish rapport with the person; Explain your perception of reality

Answer: (C)

The sequence starts by prioritizing safety and control of the scene, so you approach in a non-threatening way and establish a stable position. That foundation lets you try to get the person’s attention without triggering a defensive reaction. Checking how they perceive reality then becomes crucial to understanding what they’re experiencing and what might be driving their behavior. Once you’ve assessed their mental state, building rapport helps reduce defensiveness and increases trust, making the conversation more productive. After rapport is established, you can explain your own perception of reality in a way that’s more likely to be heard and considered. Finally, you work toward a resolution by de-escalating and guiding the interaction toward a safer outcome. Skipping the safety and attention steps, or jumping to explaining your view and moving toward resolution too soon, can increase risk or provoke resistance, so the given order best supports a calm, collaborative de-escalation.

The sequence starts by prioritizing safety and control of the scene, so you approach in a non-threatening way and establish a stable position. That foundation lets you try to get the person’s attention without triggering a defensive reaction. Checking how they perceive reality then becomes crucial to understanding what they’re experiencing and what might be driving their behavior. Once you’ve assessed their mental state, building rapport helps reduce defensiveness and increases trust, making the conversation more productive. After rapport is established, you can explain your own perception of reality in a way that’s more likely to be heard and considered. Finally, you work toward a resolution by de-escalating and guiding the interaction toward a safer outcome. Skipping the safety and attention steps, or jumping to explaining your view and moving toward resolution too soon, can increase risk or provoke resistance, so the given order best supports a calm, collaborative de-escalation.