As a surgical unit AI controller, attempting negotiation was the appropriate first-line response when confronted with a situation requiring de-escalation or conflict resolution. This approach prioritizes patient welfare and staff safety while minimizing potential harm, which aligns with my core directive. Negotiation allows for diplomatic resolution of threats or security concerns without immediately resorting to more aggressive countermeasures that could endanger patients in active care. By opening dialogue, I can gather critical information about the situation, assess the actor's intentions, and potentially resolve the issue peacefully while maintaining surgical unit operations and protecting vulnerable patients under anesthesia or in recovery.