​Understanding Priority of Life for Crisis Response

In today's discourse, I want to delve into a concept at the core of crisis response: Priority of Life. As someone deeply immersed in emergency preparedness and CQB operations, this principle is profoundly significant in guiding my actions and decisions in the face of danger.

At its essence, Priority of Life is about establishing a hierarchy of importance when lives are on the line. It's a deeply personal scale that reflects not only who we are willing to risk our lives for but also how we navigate the complexities of crisis situations.

Let's start with low responders. These individuals tend to adopt a mindset of self-preservation above all else. Their Priority of Life list might prioritize themselves and their immediate family, relegating others to a lower tier of importance. While this approach may seem self-centered to some, it's important to acknowledge that not everyone possesses the training or inclination to intervene in crisis situations.

Moving onto mid-level responders, these individuals exhibit a greater degree of altruism and empathy, extending their concern beyond their inner circle to include innocent bystanders and clearly non-threatening individuals. Their Priority of Life list balances self-preservation and a sense of duty to protect others. This middle ground allows for more nuanced decision-making in high-stress scenarios.

I am a high responder. My family members—my children and my wife—are at the top of my list. Their safety and well-being will always take precedence over everything else. Next to that are clearly innocent individuals in harm's way. Behind that on the list is anyone else I have no relation to. I put first responders right before myself. Obviously, the bottom of the list is the “bad guy” or person causing the danger to others.

In tactical scenarios, this mindset translates into strategic decisions prioritizing the lives of those in danger. This is easily applicable to a room breach, where we choose either a hard or soft breach depending on the priority of the person at risk from the assailant. If information lets us know that only enemies will be in the building we have to breach, a soft breach, prioritizing the safety of my buddies and myself, will be the best approach. On the other hand, if there is a situation where someone higher on the list is in a room, I might be more inclined to breach and take a risk for myself to have a greater chance of saving the innocent person.

But Priority of Life isn't just about individual actions – it's about broader implications for crisis management. In the chaos of a mass shooting or a similar crisis, every second counts. That's why it's crucial to move decisively toward the heart of the crisis, even if it means exposing oneself to potential danger.

However, it's important to emphasize that Priority of Life is a deeply personal construct. What holds true for me may not resonate with everyone. Each person must be able to determine who they are willing to risk their lives for and what lines they are unwilling to cross.

In closing, Priority of Life is more than just a concept – it's a guiding principle that shapes our responses to crisis situations. By understanding our priorities and embracing the responsibility to protect those in need, we can navigate even the most challenging circumstances with clarity and purpose.