If a hostage senses or realizes that a rescue attempt is imminent, what should they do?

If a hostage senses or realizes that a rescue attempt is imminent, dropping to the floor is the most prudent course of action. This behavior serves to reduce visibility and minimizes the risk of being harmed during the chaos of a rescue operation. By getting down, the hostage can avoid drawing attention to themselves from both the captors and the rescuers, thereby enhancing their safety during this critical moment.

Other potential actions, such as shouting for help, moving towards the sound, or attempting to fight back against captors, can escalate the situation or put the hostage in greater danger. Shouting may alert the captors to the imminent rescue, while running towards the sound might lead the hostage into harm's way if the assailants are still present. Fighting back could provoke aggressive reactions from the captors, risking injury or worse. Therefore, maintaining a low profile by dropping to the floor is the most strategic and safest action a hostage can take during a rescue attempt.