How to Respond in an Active Shooter Situation

Knowing What To Do During an Active Shooter Situation Can Improve Your Chances of Surviving

An active shooter situation involves an individual actively engaging in killing or attempting to kill others in a confined or populated area. Given the rapid and unpredictable nature of these scenarios, being prepared and able to respond quickly is crucial.

In these critical moments, swift decision-making and heightened awareness can significantly impact your safety and the safety of those around you. As someone with a deep understanding of violence, conflict resolution, and active shooter response, Damian emphasizes the importance of knowing and implementing the key concepts of the Run-Hide-Fight strategy to enhance survival chances and effectiveness.

Understanding Active Shooter Situations

Definition of an Active Shooter Situation

An active shooter situation is characterized by an individual actively trying to kill people in a confined or populated area. This type of incident is driven by the shooter’s intent to create chaos and cause harm, often targeting individuals without a clear motive.

Common Places Where These Incidents Occur

Active shooter incidents can occur in various settings, including:

Schools: From primary schools to universities.
Offices: Workplace environments, affecting employees and visitors.
Public Spaces: Shopping malls, theaters, and transportation hubs, due to their high foot traffic.

Unpredictability and Rapid Evolution

Active shooter situations are inherently unpredictable and can evolve rapidly. The initial stages may unfold quickly, leaving little time for preparation. The chaotic nature requires individuals to be vigilant, adaptable, and prepared to act swiftly.

The Run-Hide-Fight Strategy

Run: When and How to Evacuate

Know Your Nearest Exits: Familiarize yourself with all possible exits and alternate routes in your environment.
Evacuation Plans: Develop and regularly review evacuation plans. Know the locations of safety zones and planned routes.

Hide: What to Do When Evacuation Isn’t Possible

Lockdown Procedures: If evacuation isn’t an option, secure your location by locking doors and barricading entry points with available furniture. Stay quiet and avoid drawing attention.
Shelter-in-Place: Turn off lights, silence phones, and stay away from windows. Find cover and concealment to increase your chances of staying hidden from the shooter.

Fight: Last Resort Measures

Improvised Weapons: If confronted and escape or hiding isn’t feasible, use any available objects as improvised weapons. Aim to incapacitate the attacker to create an opportunity for escape or to seek help.

Communication During the Incident

Alerting Authorities: How and When to Contact Law Enforcement

When to Contact: Contact law enforcement as soon as it is safe. The sooner they are informed, the quicker they can respond.
What to Report: Provide detailed information, including your location, number of shooters, and descriptions.

Emergency Alerts: Importance of Following Public Safety Announcements

Mobile Alerts, Radio, or TV: Stay informed through alerts from mobile devices, radio, or television. These updates provide critical information about the situation and safety instructions.

Helping Others in a Crisis

Assist Those Who Are Struggling to Evacuate

Support and Guidance: Help individuals with mobility issues or those who are disoriented. Guide them to exits or safe areas and provide physical support if necessary.

Helping Injured Individuals: Basic First Aid Tips

Assess and Prioritize: Address immediate threats before providing first aid. Focus on severe injuries first, such as heavy bleeding or breathing difficulties.
Basic First Aid: Use clean cloths to control bleeding, perform CPR if trained and necessary, and comfort the injured.

What to Do with Mass Casualties: Emergency Medical Services and Triage

Emergency Medical Services (EMS): Contact EMS promptly and provide detailed information about the scene and casualties.
Triage: In mass casualty situations, prioritize treatment based on injury severity. Provide immediate care to those who need it most.

What Happens After the Incident?

What to Expect When Law Enforcement Arrives

Staying Calm: When law enforcement arrives, remain calm and follow their instructions. Your cooperation helps ensure a smooth and effective response.

Post-Incident Recovery: Trauma Counseling and Mental Health Support

Resources for Psychological Recovery: Seek support for emotional and psychological well-being through trauma counseling and mental health services.
Victim Assistance Programs: Utilize available programs for counseling, support groups, and financial assistance to aid in the recovery process.

Preparing for the Worst: Drills and Training

Importance of Participating in Active Shooter Drills

Staying Prepared: Engaging in active shooter drills helps you practice the Run-Hide-Fight strategy in a controlled setting, improving your response time and confidence. Regular participation ensures better preparedness for real-life situations.

Resources for Learning More: Run-Hide-Fight Training Materials and Courses

Training Materials and Courses: Explore online courses, seminars, and instructional materials to enhance your knowledge and skills in handling active shooter scenarios.

Conclusion

Staying aware and prepared is vital in managing the risks associated with active shooter situations. By understanding and implementing the Run-Hide-Fight strategy, you can improve your ability to respond effectively and ensure your safety and that of those around you. Reinforce this strategy in your daily routines and emergency planning to navigate potentially dangerous situations with greater confidence.

Share this information with friends, family, and colleagues to increase public awareness and preparedness. Together, we can create safer environments and better respond to emergencies.