Which statement correctly describes the 'Distract' option?

• A. Directly address or interrupt the behavior
• B. Distract the person needing an intervention
• C. Delegate the intervention to an ally
• D. Distract the bystander to manipulate the scene

Answer: (B)

Distract means shifting the person’s attention away from the escalating situation so you can create space and buy time for a safer, calmer intervention. By directing their focus to something less threatening, you lower their arousal and reduce the likelihood of immediate harm, making it easier for responders to gain control of the scene without resorting to force.

This is why the best description is to distract the person needing an intervention—the goal is to manage risk by redirecting their attention rather than directly confronting or manipulating others. Directly addressing the behavior can intensify the confrontation, delegating the task to someone else doesn’t address the immediate risk, and distracting bystanders is ethically problematic and not the intended use of this tactic.