Defining the required tasks of a "first responder"

As a survival community, most understand that we must care for ourselves and not completely rely on others. While teamwork is very valuable, it is only as effective as the capable individuals that comprise it.

The person at the scene, if willing, is the first responder. But what is the process that an effective first responder goes through? Let's examine the mental cycle used to handle a threat.

This thread is not an article but meant for discussion. If we intentionally analyze the process through which we respond to survival, we may be able to address our individual weakness.

Threat Analysis & Response

1. Observation - We first must be in a position to observe the threat or risk to safety. This can be intentional or unintentional. For most, observation will be unintentional.

2. Identification - We must identify the type of threat observed. Is it from another human, environmental, intentional, accidental?

3. Information - We need threat information. It can come from our functional senses, other beings (animals included), and safety devices (alarms, monitors etc).

4. Orientation - Where are we in the context of the identified threat? Is the threat already here? Are we being effected now? Do we have a buffer between us and the threat?

5. Decide - We make a conscious or subconscious decision to how to respond. This may be based upon a pre-determined plan of action developed before the actual emergency.

6. Act - Execution of our response, however simple (e.g. running away) or complicated (e.g. forming an ad hoc contact team).

7. Evaluation - Did our action result in a resolution? If not, we need to make further observations, gather information, orient ourselves to the current situation, decide on a plan, and execute it.

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Defining the required tasks of a "first responder"