Active Shooter: Action Matters

"Action Matters" Detective Carlo Davila states in a recent Active Shooter Training the TruLight Project Team attended in Milwaukee, WI.

While we are all humbled by the events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, we learn that as a country, we have been averaging 2.5 Active Shooter events every month since 2014. So, how do we prepare mentally and physically since these events are not going away?

Here are the TOP recommendations provided during the training:

GET REAL

Denial is the number one cause for delayed responses in an Active Shooter event. You need to acknowledge that this is happening, and you have a better chance of survival if you recognize this, NOW. Stay positive, believe in your ability to get yourself and others out of this situation.

TACTICAL DISTANCE

Get as far away from the event as possible. There are too many reports of individuals hearing a loud "pop" or what sounded like "fireworks" and their curiosity brings them closer to the event resulting in a larger number of victims. Know where the exits are always and have a plan.

ADD VALUE

Once you have achieved a safe distance, use your mobile device to notify and inform law enforcement of what is going on. Any information that you can provide as to the number or location of shooters, injured parties, other means ending the event just that much quicker.

TAKE ACTION

"Run, Hide, Fight" the Nation's stance on Active Shooter events tells us that in many situations, gaining tactical distance is not possible.  The Virginia Tech Active Shooter Event of 2007 teaches us that the largest number of deaths occurred while students sat in their classrooms, heads down at their desks. Don't make it easy for the shooter, run, hide and if given no other option, FIGHT!

STAY IN SHAPE

Our brain works less effectively, and our bodily systems start to shut down when our heart rate exceeds 175 BPM for any period of time. A simple daily routine to elevate our heart rates, attending an exercise class, or hitting the weights a couple days a week can help prepare your body for the physical stress associated with an Active Shooter Event.

MAKE A CHOICE

At these times, we are reminded that our positions as leaders, parents, friends will be tested. We think, hope and pray that our actions will reflect the "hero" inside of us. Yet in the moment, the decision to put others before ourselves is near impossible to fathom. For this courage, we look to above and individuals such as Melissa Falkowski, Aaron Feis, and Liviu Librescu (Virginia Tech) who did not fail to act and save the lives of so many.

***This post was written with our deepest sympathy for the victims and families of the recent active shooter event at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School***

TruLight Project Team