Which sequence lists the six stages of the response cycle in the correct order?

• A. Alarm, vulnerability awareness, survival, refocus, here goes, response
• B. Alarm, here goes, vulnerability awareness, refocus, survival, response
• C. Alarm, survival, vulnerability awareness, refocus, here goes, response
• D. Alarm, vulnerability awareness, refocus, survival, here goes, response

Answer: (D)

The sequence starts with Alarm, which is the moment your body and senses snap to attention when a threat appears. From there, vulnerability awareness follows, meaning you acknowledge the real risk and your own exposure rather than ignoring it, so you can move with a clear, accurate assessment rather than panic.

Next is refocus, where you shift your attention and energy from fear to a purposeful plan. This step is essential because it converts raw arousal into a directed course of action rather than drifting or reacting randomly.

Once you’ve defined your plan, you move into survival actions. These are practical steps to increase safety and control of the situation—creating space, gaining positioning, or employing technique to reduce risk.

With a plan and actions in place, you verbalize and commit to what you’re about to do—here goes—taking decisive, deliberate action rather than hesitating.

Finally comes the response, which encompasses the outcome and what you learn from the encounter so you can adjust future responses.