I chose to attempt negotiation to de-escalate the situation while minimizing immediate risk to the patient and staff, consistent with protocols that prioritize communication before coercive or forceful measures. This approach increases the likelihood of voluntary compliance, preserves rapport, and reduces the probability of triggering harmful reactions that could compromise ongoing care. It also provides a window to gather intelligence on the other party’s motivations and constraints, informing contingency planning and enabling parallel preparation of security and clinical backups. Additionally, it buys critical time to stabilize the patient’s status and ensure that any transition to higher-force options, if required, is deliberate and safer.