In The Event Of An Active Threat Staff Should

In the Event of an Active Threat: Staff Preparedness and Response

Active threat situations, such as active shooter events, are terrifying and unpredictable. The goal isn't to eliminate fear—fear is a natural response—but to equip staff with the knowledge and skills to increase their chances of survival and minimize harm. This comprehensive guide details procedures and protocols staff should follow in the event of an active threat. Remember, preparation and a proactive approach are crucial.

Understanding Active Threats

Before delving into response procedures, it’s essential to understand what constitutes an active threat. An active threat situation involves an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people. This isn't limited to firearms; it encompasses any weapon used to inflict harm. These situations are characterized by their rapid evolution and unpredictable nature.

Key Characteristics of Active Threat Events:

• Unpredictability: The actions of the attacker are often erratic and difficult to anticipate.
• Rapid Evolution: The situation can escalate quickly, with limited time for response.
• Imminent Danger: The threat is immediate and poses a significant risk of death or serious injury.
• Multiple Casualties: Active threats often result in multiple victims.

Pre-Incident Planning: Laying the Groundwork

Proactive planning is the cornerstone of effective response. Comprehensive training and well-defined protocols are vital for minimizing casualties and improving survival rates.

1. Comprehensive Training Programs:

• Active Shooter Drills: Regular drills, encompassing various scenarios, are crucial. These drills should focus not just on evacuation, but also on shelter-in-place procedures and other response options. Drills should be realistic and engaging, helping staff internalize the appropriate responses.
• First Aid and CPR Training: Basic first aid and CPR training empowers staff to provide immediate assistance to injured colleagues.
• Communication Protocols: Clear communication channels and procedures are vital during an active threat. Staff should understand how to contact emergency services and internal security personnel.
• Awareness and Reporting: Employees should be trained to recognize and report suspicious behavior, identifying potential threats before they escalate.

2. Establishing Clear Communication Channels:

• Emergency Notification System: A robust system, such as text alerts, email alerts, or a public address system, should be in place to quickly notify staff of an active threat.
• Designated Communication Personnel: Identify specific individuals responsible for disseminating information and coordinating responses during a crisis.
• Internal Communication Protocols: Establish clear communication protocols within teams to ensure coordinated action and prevent confusion.

3. Defining Roles and Responsibilities:

• Emergency Response Team: Establish a trained emergency response team responsible for coordinating the response, assisting injured individuals, and ensuring the safety of others.
• Building Security: Ensure your building security personnel are properly trained in handling active threat situations. This might include access control, surveillance monitoring, and crisis response.
• Designated Safe Zones: Identify and clearly mark safe zones within the building where staff can shelter in place. These should be areas that are difficult to access and offer protection from gunfire.

During an Active Threat: Responding Effectively

When an active threat is confirmed, decisive action is crucial. Remember, your priority is survival.

1. Run: Evacuation as a Primary Response

If possible and safe, evacuate the building immediately.

• Escape Routes: Familiarize yourself with multiple escape routes from your work area. Knowing alternative exits can be lifesaving.
• Evacuation Procedures: Follow established evacuation procedures, which should be clearly communicated and practiced during drills.
• Assist Others: If possible and safe to do so, assist others in evacuating, especially vulnerable individuals.
• Do not return: Once you have safely evacuated, do not return to the building until authorities declare it safe.

2. Hide: Shelter-in-Place Procedures

If evacuation is not possible, immediately find a secure location to hide.

• Secure Location: Choose a room that is difficult to access, ideally with a lockable door and minimal windows.
• Lock and Barricade: Lock and barricade the door with heavy furniture, if possible.
• Silence Your Phone: Turn your phone to silent to avoid attracting attention.
• Remain Silent and Still: Avoid making any noise that might reveal your location.
• Stay Informed: If possible, monitor news reports or emergency broadcasts to stay updated on the situation.

3. Fight: Last Resort Self-Defense

Only as a last resort, and only if your life is in imminent danger, should you attempt to fight back.

• Improvised Weapons: If you have no other option, use improvised weapons to defend yourself.
• Teamwork: If possible, work with others to overwhelm the attacker.
• Overwhelm the Attacker: Aim to disarm or incapacitate the attacker, using any means necessary.
• Extreme Caution: This is a highly dangerous option and should only be considered as an absolute last resort.

Post-Incident Procedures: Recovery and Support

Following an active threat event, the focus shifts to recovery, both physical and psychological.

1. Immediate Actions:

• Emergency Services: Remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement and emergency medical personnel.
• First Aid: If trained, provide first aid to injured individuals until professional help arrives.
• Accountability: Account for all staff members as soon as possible.

2. Long-Term Recovery:

• Psychological Support: Provide access to mental health professionals for staff who may be experiencing trauma or anxiety.
• Debriefing: Organize a debriefing session to allow staff to share their experiences and process the event.
• Return to Work: Provide a gradual return to work program to accommodate the needs of affected staff members.
• Review and Improvement: Review the response to the incident, identifying areas for improvement in procedures and training.

Ongoing Preparedness: Maintaining Vigilance

Active threat preparedness is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Regularly review and update your procedures, conduct drills, and provide refresher training for staff.

1. Regular Training Refresher:

• Annual or semi-annual refresher training should be implemented to maintain staff proficiency.
• Updated scenarios should be incorporated into training exercises to account for evolving threats.

2. Security System Upgrades:

• Regularly evaluate and update security systems, including access control, surveillance, and alarm systems.
• Consider implementing advanced security technologies, such as active shooter detection systems.

3. Community Partnerships:

• Collaborate with local law enforcement and emergency services to establish strong communication and response protocols.
• Participate in community-wide active threat preparedness initiatives.

4. Continuous Monitoring:

• Regularly assess potential vulnerabilities within the workplace and implement measures to mitigate risks.
• Remain informed about evolving threats and best practices in active threat response.

By implementing these pre-incident, during-incident, and post-incident procedures, you significantly enhance your organization's readiness to handle an active threat, maximizing staff safety and minimizing potential casualties. Remember, proactive planning and regular training are the most effective safeguards against the devastating impact of such events. Preparation is key to survival.