What is the second step in the five C's of response protocol?

The second step in the five C's of response protocol is to control the situation. This step emphasizes the need to manage and stabilize the environment in which the incident is occurring. Controlling the situation can involve a variety of actions, such as securing the area to prevent further harm, directing individuals to safe zones, and ensuring that all personnel are accounted for to avoid confusion and ensure safety.

Control is particularly critical in an active shooter scenario as it helps to establish order amidst chaos, allowing responders to focus on the immediate threats. The effectiveness of this step can significantly influence the outcome of an incident, as it prioritizes the safety of victims and potential targets while enabling effective response efforts.

The other available choices, while important in their own right, do not specifically align with this second step. For instance, communication is vital, but it typically comes after controlling the environment to ensure that messages are clear and directed. Calling SWAT is usually a later response after the situation has been assessed and controlled to some extent. Creating a plan occurs as part of the broader response strategy but is not specifically the focal point of this second step in the process.