How should staff members position themselves in relation to an agitated person to maintain a safe distance?

Maintaining a safe distance is crucial when dealing with an agitated individual, as it allows staff members to protect themselves while also enabling the individual to have enough personal space to help de-escalate the situation. Positioning oneself at a distance of the person's arm length plus one foot is an effective strategy. This distance reduces the risk of being within reach of the individual if they decide to lash out physically, while still being close enough to communicate effectively.

This approach also conveys respect for the person's personal space, which can help in reducing their agitation. Maintaining this distance allows for a level of comfort while ensuring that staff members can react appropriately if the situation escalates. Conversely, positioning directly in front of the individual, getting too close for effective communication, or being directly behind the person could increase the risk of confrontation or escalate the individual’s agitation.