Active Shooter How to survive. Lt. James Reese Pensacola Police Department
Active Shooter: How to Survive Topics of Discussion Mental preparation. Run, Hide, Defend. Provide options to enhance survival when confronted with an active shooter. Describe actions needed to safely interact with the responding police officers.
What is an active shooter “ an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area”. In most cases, active shooters use firearms and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.
Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. Because active shooter situations are often over within 10 minutes, before law enforcement arrives on the scene, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation.
Warrior Mindset (fights in battle, courage) Guardian Mindset (watches and protects) VS Warrior Mindset (fights in battle, courage) We must have both and know when to use each one.
David vs Goliath
Being mentally prepared to take action in a crisis “Can” make the difference between life and death.
80% Mental --------- 20% Physical
RUN If there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises. * Have an escape route and plan in mind Evacuate regardless whether others agree to follow Leave your belongings behind Help others escape, if possible
Do not attempt to move wounded people RUN Do not attempt to move wounded people Prevent others from entering the area where active shooter may be Call 911 when you are safe and able to do so
Hiding place should be out of the active shooter’s view Hide If evacuation is not possible. Find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you Hiding place should be out of the active shooter’s view Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (i.e., an office or room with a closed and locked door) Do not open door for anyone
Blockade the door with heavy furniture. Call 911 (when safe to do so) Hide Blockade the door with heavy furniture. Call 911 (when safe to do so) Always stand to the side of the door (never if front of door) Immediately attack shooter if he enters room Grab muzzle of gun in a downward motion
DEFEND Your last resort when you are in immediate danger is to defend yourself Commit to your actions and act aggressively to stop the shooter Use any available objects to throw at or strike the shooter with
Chairs Books Tables Shoes Office equipment Dining ware Objects that can be used Chairs Books Tables Shoes Office equipment Dining ware Fire extinguishers Bottles Anything that is hard
Diversion Techniques Divided Attention Throw objects and aim for the head Constantly be moving If there are multiple people in room, spread out to attack from different angles
Don’t lie there with your eyes closed and get killed. Think and move. A good decision executed quickly is better than a great one never executed. Remember that a moving target is extremely hard to hit, even for a well-trained shooter. Deal with the situation with your eyes wide open.
Their first priority is to eliminate the threat When police officers arrive on scene Their first priority is to eliminate the threat Officers will advance to the area where the last shots were heard Initial officers will not tend to injured victims nor stop to speak with you Officers may not be wearing traditional police uniforms (tactical vest, helmets) Officers will issue loud commands and may get physical
DO NOT approach officers Follow all instructions by officers Reacting to Law Enforcement Remain calm DO NOT approach officers Follow all instructions by officers Put down any items and DO NOT pick up any weapons Raise hands and spread fingers Avoid quick movements Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling at officers
Waffle House shooting, Antioch, TN James Shaw Jr.
Take When you visit places, take time to identify at least two nearby exits. Map out Map out places to hide or to seek cover. Look Look for objects that can be used to defend yourself with. RUN RUN, HIDE, DEFEND.
“ Mental Rehearsals” Is the process of rehearsing potential actions to be taken in the event of an emergency (active shooter).
If answer is yes, understand the risk. Carry Concealed Weapon Permit Do I engage or not? If answer is yes, understand the risk. Intervention by an armed citizen will most likely reduce the number of victims during an active shooter event. (Diversion and Divided Attention).
Questions or comments?