In the intervention process, when should Step 1: Prepare occur?

• A. When the incident ends
• B. After contacting supervisor
• C. At the earliest signs of stress
• D. During the debrief after the incident

Answer: (C)

Initiating Step 1: Prepare as soon as you notice stress signals is about acting proactively, not waiting for the situation to unfold or for it to be over. When early signs of stress appear—yours or others'—you pause, assess what help is needed, and marshal the right resources before things escalate. This quick preparation helps stabilize the moment, preserves safety, and makes the rest of the intervention more effective. Waiting until the incident ends or after other steps like contacting a supervisor or a debrief delay support and can allow stress to intensify, whereas early readiness lays the groundwork for a smoother, more coordinated response.