Situational Awareness, a definition

Simply put, situational awareness is knowing what is happening and what is likely to happen next. While this sounds simple, it does not merely mean good observation skill. It requires one to have a knowledge base that includes, the nature of aggression, and  environmental, individual, staff, and situational factors that contribute to or reduce agitation and aggression.  

At the lowest levels, this skill requires that all responding to a person in behavioral crisis, know how to identify escalating agitaion and call for a support when needed. 

When interacting with a hostile person it means keeping actively aware of the effects of your efforts to deescalate. Is your approach effective? Is it decreasing the anger?

If responding to a call for support, minimally those responding need to know how to identify the lead person  and environmental hazards, and be ready to take direction from the lead person.