When dealing with hostile and verbally assaultive individuals, what should you do?

In situations involving hostile and verbally assaultive individuals, alerting co-workers is crucial for several reasons. First, informing colleagues can help ensure their safety by making them aware of the potential threat, especially if the situation escalates. When everyone is aware, they can take precautionary measures, such as securing themselves in a safe space or preparing to assist with de-escalation efforts.

Additionally, when co-workers are alerted, it promotes a collective response, enabling staff to support each other and potentially diffuse the situation with more personnel on hand. Communication is vital in emergency scenarios to foster an environment of awareness and to mobilize efforts for safety. Furthermore, relying solely on personal judgment without informing others can be risky, as the situation with an aggressive individual can unpredictably escalate.

Other options, such as offering something to drink or assuming that the individual will calm down, may not appropriately address the severity of the situation and could potentially worsen it. Calling Security or Law Enforcement could also be a necessary action, especially if the situation escalates beyond verbal conflict; however, initially alerting co-workers can be a critical first step in ensuring safety and managing the confrontation.