From which direction should you approach someone to ensure safety?

Approaching someone from the side is the safest strategy in many situations, especially when dealing with individuals who might be agitated, confused, or in distress. This method allows you to maintain a non-threatening posture while still being able to communicate effectively. Approaching from the side helps to minimize the risk of startling the person or eliciting a defensive reaction, as it does not block their line of sight and allows you to engage them in a calm manner.

When you approach someone directly from the front, it can be perceived as confrontational or intimidating, particularly if the person is already in a heightened emotional state. This can increase anxiety or provoke aggressive behavior. Approaching from behind is also risky, as it may surprise the person and lead to unpredictable reactions. Approaching from above is generally impractical and can further create a sense of intimidation or threat. Thus, approaching someone from the side provides a balance of safety and effective communication.