Which action is typically part of the initial response to a critical incident?

• A. Setting up perimeters
• B. Writing reports
• C. Scheduling meetings
• D. Negotiating with inmates

Answer: (C)

In a critical incident, the priority is rapid coordination to protect people and gain control of the situation. A quick meeting or briefing with the key responders is a practical way to achieve that: it establishes who is in charge, shares what is known, and assigns immediate tasks and priorities. This helps ensure everyone understands their role, communicates consistently, and acts in a coordinated manner during the crucial first minutes.

Setting up perimeters is also essential for safety, and often happens right away or in parallel, but scheduling a brief to align actions is the step that directly organizes the response team at the outset. Writing reports and negotiating with inmates are actions that come later, after immediate stabilization and control have begun.