What should be the officer's mindset regarding survival when in a critical incident?

The mindset of an officer during a critical incident should be survival-oriented and proactive. This approach emphasizes the importance of taking decisive and assertive actions to ensure both personal safety and the safety of others involved in the situation. Adopting a survival-oriented mindset means that officers are focused on assessing threats, making strategic decisions under pressure, and being prepared to respond effectively to any developments that may arise during the incident.

By being proactive, officers are not just reacting to situations but actively working to control the scene, gather information, and take necessary steps to mitigate risks. This mindset helps build resilience and enhances the likelihood of positive outcomes during high-stress encounters. A defensive and passive attitude, being uninvolved, or indifferent to threats can lead to vulnerabilities and worsen the situation, as it does not adequately prepare the officer to face the realities of high-stakes incidents.