What should a security guard prioritize during an emergency situation?

During an emergency situation, the priority for a security guard should be ensuring personal safety first. This is crucial because the ability to respond effectively to an emergency is directly linked to the guard's own safety. If a security guard puts themselves in harm’s way without considering their own safety, they may become an additional victim, thereby exacerbating the situation and limiting their capacity to help others.

Prioritizing personal safety means assessing the risks present in the emergency before taking action, which allows the guard to respond effectively, whether that involves assisting others, calling for help, or following procedures to secure the area. This foundational principle underpins the ability to execute subsequent responsibilities, such as documenting events and assisting law enforcement, which can only be fulfilled if the guard is safe.