What is an Active Shooter?

Transcription

1 What is an Active Shooter? An active shooter is an individual aggressively engaged in killing or attempting to kill in a confined and populated area. The situation occurs rapidly and without warning. The shooter s objective may be a specific target such as an estranged spouse or former boss or may just be all persons present. In either case anyone within weapon range is a probable victim. Most end in less than 15 minutes so the arrival of Law Enforcement may have little effect on the outcome. Individuals need to prepare physically and mentally to respond to an active shooter incident.

2 Active Shooters in U.S. History Eric Harris & Dylan Kiebold Columbine High School Killed 13, Injured 21 Dylann Storm Roof, killed 9 people during a church prayer meeting in Charleston, SC Omar Mir Mateen, killed 49 people and wounded 53 others at Orlando Nightclub

3 12 killed, 70 injured: Aurora, Colo. On July 20, 2012 James Holmes committed this act at the Century Movie Theater during the midnight premiere of Batman, The Dark Knight Rises. He had mental health issues since middle school, and attempted suicide at age 11. From his youth he was depressed, and obsessed with killing for over a decade. Made homicidal statements to psychiatrists.

4 Evidence of Mental Illness and Mass Shooters This Study shows 79% MiCAH Safety Solutions, LLC

5 Warning Signs As we have already seen, there is often evidence before an attack such as drawings, notes, social media posts, or telling people. Attacks of this scale are usually well planned, and there is evidence of the planning. They may let certain people know not to go to school or work. Terrence Tyler wrote in one chilling 2009 tweet- Is it normal to want to kill ALL of ur coworkers? Maybe but I m actually in a position where I can," Aug. 31, 2012 before killing two in his work place.

6 Recognizing Warning Signs Denied Tenure, loosing her job. MiCAH Safety Solutions, LLC A known violent past, struck a woman in the head at a restaurant. Shot and killed her brother (verdict- accident). Questioned in pipe bomb incident of her former lab supervisor. Colleagues complained there was something terribly wrong- crazy, bizarre, angry. Students petitioned against her behavior- erratic and unsettling. Professor, Amy Bishop kills 3 at the University of Alabama in Huntsville as she opens fire on colleagues in a meeting. Wrote novel about suicidal thoughts if not earning tenure.

7 Have an Escape Plan Identify all exits for any facility (building) that you work in. Facilities should have at least two exits. Management and supervision must identify the safest possible routes of escape, and locations to assemble after an event is over. The Plan should be documented, and reviewed with all employees.

8 Response to an Active Shooter Run! Hide! Fight!

9 Run! Use your escape plan, at the first sign of danger. Leave belongings behind. Things can be replaced, You Cannot. Take others with you if possible. You may need to leave wounded behind. You cannot help others if you become a victim yourself. Don t Stop, Don t Hesitate, Don t Look Back- Just RUN!

10 Don t Freeze Up! Traumatic events like an active shooting can cause people to become disoriented, or paralyzed by shock or fear. If you allow this to happen, you have no chance. You must take action! Burn the 3 little words into your head- RUN, HIDE, FIGHT!

11 Hide!- Lock the door, and barricade with heavy furniture if available. Use objects such as (desks, file cabinets, etc.) for offices, schools, and similar type buildings. Remain quiet. Silence your cell phone ringer and other sources of noise. Dial 911 if possible, but not if the attacker is close by. If you cannot talk just leave the line open, but turn the volume down.

12 Hide! Construction and Industrial settings On a good note- these sites are not as easily targeted. They are usually large and spread out. Workers are not easily trapped or cornered. There are usually numerous hiding spots and escape routes. There are many potential weapons to fight back with. Think About It Stand behind walls, columns, trees, vehicles, equipment, if outdoors. MiCAH Safety Solutions, LLC

13 Fight! MiCAH Safety Solutions, LLC As a last resort, to save your life, you may need to attack the shooter. Act as aggressively as possible! Improvise weapons; chairs, laptop, table, paperweights, sharp objects. Throw objects at the attacker. Yell and shout, try to disorient the shooter. Commit to your actions! Do not Hesitate! Be smart, quick, and strong.

14 Strength in Numbers An attack by a group is more effective than by a single person (Remember United Flight 93) The passengers and crew of this flight fought together as a team. Even though they were unable to gain control of the plane, they saved many other lives by their sacrifice.

15 Demobilizing the Attacker If you have no weapons, restrain and demobilize. Again, rush him/her as a group, all at once. First, grab the arm with the weapon, then the opposite arm, then the head and neck. If needed use a wall or corner to aid in limiting their movements. Someone must remove the weapon from their hand, and then any other weapons on their person. If you have the weapon from their hand, and they attempt to attack with a different weapon, shoot the attacker, and shoot to kill.

16 Lockdown Situations A Lockdown is a process to secure an area or site from a threat. It can include containing an incident in it s area of origin through the movement of people. If a Lockdown is announced, all exterior doors are secured and checkpoints are established at vehicle entrances. Law Enforcement may be called to assist. Movement of those inside is restricted and visitors are prevented from entering. Allowing employees with proper photo ID to enter is situational based, and will be determined by the Incident Commander.

17 Various, or all staff members should be able to initiate Lockdown and administer protocol instructions in case they have to. MiCAH Safety Solutions, LLC Know, Train, Prepare All staff members should be issued keys for this purpose. Lockdown drills should be performed annually with all staff. Drills should include the entire protocol, procedures, locations, and roles and responsibilities for the specific site.

18 When Law Enforcement Arrives They will probably enter the area in teams. May be in standard uniform or SWAT style attire. May be armed with rifles and shotguns. They won t usually know what the shooter looks like. Be prepared for them to be shouting orders and pushing people to the ground. Follow their orders to the letter.

19 Practice Makes Perfect Employees should perform Active Shooter Drills. The Drills should be at the actual work place (where an attack would occur). Drills should consist of different scenarios. Encourage all employees to participate. It is training that we hope and pray you never have to use, but if you do it will be the best training you ever had.

20 Let Us Stand Together Against Evil MiCAH Safety Solutions, LLC VA Tech