You Have Just Finished The Active Shooter Online Training Course

You Just Finished Active Shooter Online Training: Now What?

Congratulations! You've completed your active shooter online training course. That's a significant step towards enhancing your safety and preparedness in the face of a potentially life-threatening situation. But finishing the course is only the beginning. This comprehensive guide will delve into the practical applications of what you've learned, address common anxieties, and provide actionable steps to integrate this knowledge into your daily life and workplace.

Understanding the Weight of the Training

Active shooter training isn't just about memorizing procedures; it's about developing a mindset of preparedness and resilience. The scenarios presented in the online course likely evoked strong emotions – fear, anxiety, even helplessness. It's crucial to acknowledge these feelings and understand they are normal responses to a traumatic subject. Processing these emotions is a key part of the learning process.

Processing Your Feelings

Talk to someone: Share your experiences and feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist. Verbalizing your anxieties can help you process them and gain perspective.
Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and emotional regulation.
Mindfulness techniques: Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help you manage stress and anxiety associated with the training.

Beyond the Classroom: Applying Your Knowledge

The online training likely covered several key areas: recognizing warning signs, understanding response strategies (run, hide, fight), and the importance of creating a personal safety plan. Let's break down how to practically apply this knowledge.

Recognizing Warning Signs

Active shooter situations rarely occur without warning signs. The training likely emphasized recognizing behavioral indicators, such as:

Increased aggression or irritability: A sudden and significant change in someone's behavior should raise a red flag.
Threats of violence: Any explicit or implicit threat, whether verbal or written, should be reported immediately.
Obsession with weapons: An unusual interest in weapons or violent imagery can be a warning sign.
Social isolation: Withdrawal from social interactions or a sudden change in social circles could indicate distress.
Paranoia or delusions: Irrational beliefs and suspiciousness can be warning signs of potential violence.

What to Do If You Notice Warning Signs:

Report your concerns: Don't hesitate to report any suspicious behavior to the appropriate authorities (police, security, HR, etc.). Even if you're uncertain, it's better to err on the side of caution.
Document your observations: Keep a record of what you've observed, including dates, times, and specific details. This information can be invaluable if a situation escalates.
Trust your instincts: If something feels wrong, it probably is. Don't dismiss your intuition.

Run, Hide, Fight: A Practical Approach

The "Run, Hide, Fight" methodology is a widely accepted framework for responding to active shooter situations. Let's elaborate on each element:

Run:

Evacuate immediately: If you can safely evacuate the building, do so immediately. Move quickly and quietly, avoiding areas where the shooter might be.
Help others if possible: If you can safely assist others in evacuating, do so.
Stay aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings and be prepared to change your escape route if necessary.

Hide:

Find a secure location: Locate a room that is difficult to access and offers good cover, such as a locked office or storage room.
Lock and barricade the door: Use any available resources to secure the door, such as furniture or heavy objects.
Silence your phone: Turn off or silence your phone to avoid attracting attention.
Remain quiet and still: Avoid making any noise that could alert the shooter to your presence.

Fight:

As a last resort: Fighting back should only be considered as a last resort when your life is in immediate danger.
Improvise weapons: Use anything available as a weapon, such as chairs, fire extinguishers, or even your own body.
Fight with aggression and determination: Your goal is to overwhelm the shooter and create an opportunity to escape.
Teamwork is crucial: If possible, work together with others to overcome the shooter.

Creating a Personal Safety Plan

The online training likely emphasized the importance of developing a personal safety plan. This is not a generic plan; it needs to be tailored to your specific environment – your workplace, your home, your regular commute. Consider these aspects:

Identify escape routes: Familiarize yourself with all possible escape routes from your workplace and home.
Identify safe havens: Locate secure places within your environment where you could hide if necessary.
Communicate your plan: Share your plan with your family, colleagues, and friends.
Practice your plan: Regularly practice your plan to ensure you're familiar with the procedures and can respond effectively under pressure.
Regularly review and update: Your plan should not be static; it should be reviewed and updated regularly to account for changes in your environment or circumstances.

Beyond the Immediate: Long-Term Strategies

The emotional impact of active shooter training can extend beyond the immediate aftermath. It's crucial to adopt long-term strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and potential PTSD.

Maintaining Mental Well-being

Seek professional help: If you're struggling to cope with the emotional impact of the training, don't hesitate to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor.
Engage in self-care: Prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient sleep.
Connect with others: Maintain strong social connections with friends, family, and colleagues.
Continue learning: Stay informed about safety procedures and best practices.

Integrating Preparedness into Your Daily Life

Active shooter preparedness isn't a one-time event; it's an ongoing process. Integrate these practices into your daily routine:

Situational awareness: Practice situational awareness by paying attention to your surroundings and identifying potential threats.
Regular safety drills: Conduct regular safety drills at your workplace and home to reinforce your preparedness.
Communication protocols: Establish clear communication protocols with your family, colleagues, and emergency contacts.
First Aid and CPR training: Consider taking first aid and CPR training to be better prepared in emergency situations.

The Ongoing Conversation: Community and Resources

Active shooter prevention and response are ongoing dialogues that extend far beyond the completion of an online course. Stay connected with your community through local emergency management services, participate in safety discussions, and remain informed through trusted sources. Your preparedness isn’t just about protecting yourself; it’s about creating a safer environment for everyone.

Conclusion: Preparedness is Power

Completing the active shooter online training course is a commendable step. However, true preparedness requires ongoing vigilance, continuous learning, and a commitment to implementing the strategies discussed. By actively incorporating these practices into your daily life and maintaining open communication with your community, you can significantly enhance your safety and resilience in the face of any unforeseen crisis. Remember, knowledge, planning, and a proactive mindset are your most powerful tools. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe.