What should be the RS's primary focus when responding to a panicked survivor?

When responding to a panicked survivor, the primary focus should be on calming the survivor. This is crucial because a panicked individual may struggle against rescue efforts, which can complicate the situation and even pose risks to both the rescuer and the survivor. By calming the survivor, the rescuer can help them regain composure, making it easier to control the rescue operation effectively.

A calm survivor is more likely to follow instructions, which ultimately increases the chances of a successful rescue without escalating the panic or chaos in the water. Additionally, a successful interaction can help reassure the survivor that help is at hand, further reducing their anxiety. Techniques may include verbal reassurances, maintaining eye contact, and using a gentle tone to build trust.

The other choices, while important in their own right, do not address the immediate need to create a safe and controlled environment for the rescue to proceed effectively. For instance, ensuring personal safety is always a priority but can come secondary to addressing the immediate emotional state of the survivor. Similarly, aggressive techniques or focusing solely on immediate extraction could lead to complications or increased risk if the survivor remains agitated. Hence, de-escalating the survivor's panic is the foundation for a successful rescue operation.