Video Transcript: Critical Incident Micro-Protocol: ARRIVE

Video Transcript: Critical Incident Micro-Protocol: ARRIVE (A Simple On-Scene Checklist)

Presenter: Haley Steiner (CLI Synthesia Presenter)

Hi, I’m Haley, the Christian Leaders Institute Synthesia presenter.

In a critical incident, your body will feel the pressure first.
Adrenaline rises. People move fast. Radios crackle. Emotions surge.
And in those moments, chaplains do best when they have a simple, repeatable protocol—something you can remember under stress.

Here is a micro-protocol you can carry into any scene:

A-R-R-I-V-E: ARRIVE.

It’s a checklist for chaplains—so you show up with calm presence, stay in your role, honor policy, and actually help.

And Scripture gives the tone for this kind of ministry:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
—Psalm 46:1 (WEB)

A — Assess safety and command structure

Before you do anything else, assess.
Ask yourself:

• Is this scene still active or unstable?

• Where is the safe zone?

• Who is the incident commander or supervisor?

• Who do I report to or check in with?

Chaplains do not freelance.
You plug into the structure so you don’t become part of the problem.

R — Respect the perimeter. Do not interfere

Critical incidents have boundaries for a reason—evidence, safety, operations, privacy.

So “Respect perimeter” means:

• stay behind tape unless invited,

• do not approach victims or witnesses without authorization,

• do not disrupt officer focus,

• do not create congestion or confusion.

Your role is not to be in the center.
Your role is to be available and steady where leadership places you.

R — Regulate yourself: calm presence first

Your nervous system is contagious.
If you are frantic, people feel it.
If you are grounded, people borrow your calm.

Regulation can be very simple:

• slow your breathing,

• relax your shoulders,

• soften your face,

• keep your voice low and clear.

“Be still, and know that I am God.”
—Psalm 46:10 (WEB)

This does not mean passive.
It means stable.

I — Invite brief connection (consent-based)

When it’s appropriate and permitted, you invite connection—not pressure.

Try simple lines like:

• “I’m the chaplain. I’m here if you want me nearby.”

• “Would you like a quick prayer, or would you prefer quiet?”

• “Do you want me to just stand with you a moment?”

Consent matters in crisis.
Some people want prayer. Some want silence. Some want distance.
Your invitation is an open door—not a demand.

V — Verbalize one helpful offer

In crisis scenes, help must be small and concrete.

Offer one thing:

• “Can I bring water?”

• “Do you want me to call someone for you?”

• “Would it help if I stood here while you regroup?”

• “Would a short prayer help right now?”

Keep it simple.
One helpful offer is often more valuable than a long speech.

And remember James 1:19:

“Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak.”
—James 1:19 (WEB)

E — Exit wisely, and document or report per policy

Chaplains do not linger in ways that create dependency or confusion.
Exit wisely means:

• check out with the supervisor if that is required,

• do not “collect stories,”

• do not repeat details to others,

• and follow your department’s policy for any reporting or documentation.

If policy requires a brief note—do it with restraint and respect.
If you are asked what you saw or heard, stay in your lane:
“I’m here for care and support. I’ll follow policy, and I will not interfere with operations.”

Closing

So remember the acronym:

ARRIVE
Assess safety and command.
Respect the perimeter.
Regulate yourself.
Invite brief connection.
Verbalize one helpful offer.
Exit wisely and follow policy.

In critical incidents, you don’t need to do everything.
You need to do the right few things—with calm presence and clear boundaries.