Active shooter incidents are on the rise in this country. All first responders need to be well trained and prepared, just like with any other possible mass casualty incident. One of the most significant differences is that this type of scenario could still be fluid upon your arrival, needing to work closely with law enforcement to mitigate effectively and efficiently. Since the Columbine High School tragedy, police tactics for handling active shooter aggressions have drastically changed. If your EMS or fire service isn’t training frequently with law enforcement, then your system is living in a closet. These incidents have occurred everywhere from a small-town Amish schoolhouse to large city events, so you are not immune for it to happen in your community.
In this article, I want to discuss your personal life that could instantly turn tragic while you’re off duty and out enjoying a quiet evening on the town. I have been a first responder for almost half a century, and I always keep my guard up being very aware of my surroundings, prepared for any emergency. For example, where is the nearest fire escape while staying in a hotel whose room is no higher than the seventh floor? All my fire brothers and sisters should understand why.
Run, hide, fight
At a moment’s notice, a person starts shooting into the crowd near you. Everyone is stunned for a second, then panic occurs. Most EMS and fire personnel receive training in proper procedures responding to this type of incident. But, do you know what to do if suddenly placed in the middle of a possible active shooting? You need to run, hide, then fight. Run as fast as possible away from the sounds of gunfire, weaving between robust barriers, if possible.
If you are caught between the shooting and an egress route, you must hide. Take cover behind an object that can stop a bullet, like a concrete pillar or wall. If you are outside, safely take cover behind the engine compartment of a vehicle, a tree, or massive brick/concrete wall. DO NOT take cover behind a car door.
Put a door, preferably a metal one, between yourself and the gunfire. Barricade it to help prevent it from opening. If the door can’t be locked, you can tie the hydraulic door opening arms together to prevent them from moving. The door may open a little, but this will prevent it from doing so all the way. DO NOT hide directly behind the door. Once inside the room, gather everyone away from the door, taking cover around a corner, if feasible.
Try to keep everyone quiet and keep them off their cell phones. A lot of 9-1-1 dispatch communication centers can now receive text messages. See if sending a 9-1-1 text message works and advise them what is happening, your exact location, number of people in your group and if there are any injuries. Please DO NOT answer a knock at the door, even if they identify themselves as police. If it is the police, they will be able to breach the door and get you to safety. Inform 9-1-1 you are located behind the door that was just knocked on by police.
Have a location at work outside and far away from the building where everyone can gather, putting an accountability system in place. DO NOT pull the fire alarm; this will confuse people and cause them to go to the closest fire exit, which may not be the safest. It will also put a lot of people into hallways and corridors, which become open shooting ranges for an aggressor.
Fight then respond
If you get caught in a position where you can’t run or hide and are required to fight for your life, a fire extinguisher is an excellent weapon. They are easy to find, especially if you mentally preplan your location and egress routes ahead of time. A fire extinguisher can shoot dry powder a good 10 feet and can discharge around a corner. The power will temporarily blind and choke the shooter, giving you time to either run or attack. Throwing or hitting the assailant with it can also help your cause.
Once the shooter has relocated, been disabled or captured, you can now transform from victim to responder. First, create a buddy system in large groups, helping to keep victims calm, organized, and aid you in updating everyone’s condition. Stopping bleeding is your primary task, even if improvised tourniquets are needed. With many victims, you don’t have enough hands to do direct pressure, so apply tourniquets high and tight, no matter where the victims are shot.
Staying safe and out of harm’s way is your primary objective. DO NOT go anywhere without making a mental preplan including multiple egress routes. Doing so can save you, your family and your friends’ lives.
