Every time I encounter a firefighting situation, I follow a consistent series of steps. Not only does this list guide my actions, but it also lets others know my plan. If people know you have a plan and understand what that plan is, they are more likely to leave you alone. They will have more trust in you, which is important in these situations.

Never panic. You are a highly paid professional! Numerous DBA jobs are available, especially if you are willing to visit other places in the world. So, even if you completely screw up, there is a very good chance you can get another job. And you may be paid more! So relax and enjoy one of the unique and challenging aspects of our line of work. I tell a lot of stories when I teach, and the best stories come from the most intense firefighting situations I've encountered.

Make sure you and everyone else involved agrees with what you are trying to accomplish. Get it down in writing. I have been to countless companies where the DBAs were trying to solve an undefined or shifting problem. Eventually, they became so frustrated that some of them quit their jobs. Usually, this is a management problem, but you need to take control of the situation and clearly outline what you intend to do, thereby also identifying what success means. Don't settle for a moving target, because you'll never win!