What principle emphasizes the importance of being aware of one's surroundings during a critical incident?

The principle that emphasizes the importance of being aware of one's surroundings during a critical incident is alertness. This concept is crucial in emergency situations, especially during an active shooter incident, as it allows individuals to assess the environment, recognize threats, and make informed decisions based on real-time information. Being alert enhances situational awareness, enabling individuals to detect potential dangers or escape routes and to understand the dynamics of the situation unfolding around them.

In scenarios such as an active shooter situation, heightened alertness can contribute significantly to personal safety and the safety of others, as it fosters proactive rather than reactive responses. By maintaining a high level of vigilance, individuals can better respond to changes in their surroundings and take appropriate actions that could mitigate risk or improve their own safety and that of those around them.