Emergency Response Quick Reference: Decision Trees for Common Incidents

In an emergency, there's no time to flip through a manual. This quick reference provides decision trees for the most common security emergencies—from medical situations to active threats. Print it, laminate it, keep it accessible.

Universal Emergency Protocol

Medical Emergency

Decision Tree

Actions

1. Call 911 (or have someone call while you assist)
2. Notify dispatch/supervisor
3. Do NOT move the person unless they're in immediate danger
4. Send someone to meet EMS at the entrance
5. Clear a path for stretcher access
6. Gather information: name, what happened, medical conditions if known
7. Stay with the person until EMS takes over

Fire / Smoke

Decision Tree

RACE Protocol

• R - Rescue: Remove anyone in immediate danger (only if safe)
• A - Alarm: Pull fire alarm, call 911
• C - Contain: Close doors to limit fire spread
• E - Extinguish/Evacuate: Fight small fires or evacuate

Fire Extinguisher: PASS

• P - Pull the pin
• A - Aim at base of fire
• S - Squeeze the handle
• S - Sweep side to side

Active Threat / Active Shooter

RUN - HIDE - FIGHT

When Law Enforcement Arrives

• Drop anything in your hands
• Raise hands, spread fingers
• Follow all commands
• Do NOT grab officers or ask for help while they're clearing
• Evacuate in the direction they indicate

Suspicious Package

Signs of a Suspicious Package

• No return address or fictitious return address
• Excessive postage or hand-delivered
• Misspelled words, generic addressee ("Occupant")
• Oily stains, strange odor, or discoloration
• Rigid, lopsided, or oddly shaped
• Wires, string, or tape holding it closed
• Ticking sound or visible powder

Actions

1. DO NOT touch, open, shake, or move the item
2. Clear the immediate area (minimum 50 feet, more for large packages)
3. Call 911 and notify dispatch
4. Do NOT use radio near the package (radio waves could trigger device)
5. Note who found it and when
6. Wait for bomb squad/law enforcement

Bomb Threat (Phone Call)

If You Receive the Call

1. Stay calm—keep the caller talking
2. Signal a coworker to call 911
3. Write down exactly what they say
4. Ask: "Where is the bomb?" "When will it explode?" "What does it look like?"
5. Note voice characteristics, background noises
6. Do NOT hang up first—let them disconnect
7. Check caller ID, preserve the line if possible

Evacuation Decision

Evacuation decisions are made by management/law enforcement—not security alone. However, if a credible, imminent threat is identified, evacuate immediately.

Trespasser / Unwanted Person

Approach Protocol

1. Approach from a safe distance, maintain exit route
2. "Hello, I'm [Name] with security. Can I help you?"
3. Ask purpose of visit and for identification
4. Verify against visitor list or call host

If Person Refuses to Leave

1. Clearly state: "You are on private property. I'm asking you to leave."
2. Document the request was made
3. If they still refuse: "If you don't leave, I will call the police to assist you in leaving."
4. Call police non-emergency (or 911 if threatening)
5. Maintain safe distance, do NOT physically remove
6. Observe and document until police arrive

Power Outage

Immediate Actions

1. Use flashlight—do NOT use open flames
2. Check if emergency lighting activated
3. Radio dispatch to confirm scope (building or area-wide)
4. Check that generator started (if applicable)
5. Begin patrol to check for trapped persons (elevators)
6. Secure areas that rely on electronic locks
7. Monitor for alarms—some may have battery backup

Elevator Entrapment

Actions

1. Use elevator intercom to communicate with occupants
2. Reassure them—help is on the way
3. Ask: How many people? Any medical conditions?
4. Call elevator service company (posted in elevator room)
5. Do NOT attempt to pry doors open
6. Do NOT instruct occupants to exit through hatch
7. If medical emergency inside, call 911

Natural Disaster

Earthquake

• During: Drop, Cover, Hold On. Stay away from windows.
• After: Check for injuries. Check for gas leaks, fires. Evacuate if structural damage.

Tornado Warning

• Move to interior rooms, lowest floor
• Stay away from windows, doors, outside walls
• Protect head and neck
• Do NOT try to evacuate by vehicle

Flooding

• Do NOT walk through flowing water
• Move to higher ground
• Stay away from electrical equipment
• Be aware of contaminated water

Chemical Spill / Hazmat

1. Do NOT touch, walk through, or inhale fumes
2. If outdoors, move upwind and uphill
3. If indoors, exit building if safe; otherwise shelter in place
4. Call 911—identify substance if known (check SDS sheets)
5. Keep others away from affected area
6. If exposed, remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with water