Physical Safety
How do you stay physically safe during an interaction?
The first issue is safe distance. Two arms lengths away from the other person is considered safe because you have time to run if you are egressed upon.
We interact inside this safe circle. It is important to recognize when you are closer so you may react more quickly. The greater the threat you feel the more important to keep this distance.
If the person is armed (say with a stick or knife), safe distance becomes 21 feet! That is a long way but you would only have time and space to remove yourself from this minimal distance.
Put yourself 21 feet from someone and notice just how far this is.
Of course, most companies strictly prohibit firearms however should you be dealing with firearms there is hardly any safe distance. You should have a protocol in mind that considers firearms so that you know ahead of time how you should proceed.
There are only a few types of emergency interactions that can be life threatening. These include medical emergencies, fire, violence or weapons apparent or threatened. If you do not know these protocols, ask your manager.
Rehearse the use of emergency protocols in your mind until they feel clear and automatic. This will increase the chance that you will actually use them at the right moment.
Remember its hard to think clearly when lives are threatened so it helps to develop strong habits for these. That takes practice and repetition.
