When Help Arrives
Understanding how to cooperate and communicate effectively with these professionals can make a significant difference in managing the crisis and ensuring a safer outcome for everyone involved managing an active shooter crisis.
The Role of Law Enforcement and Emergency Responders
During an active shooter incident, law enforcement officers and emergency responders play a critical role in neutralizing the threat and providing medical assistance to the injured. They are trained to handle these high-stress situations, and their primary goal is to protect lives. As a civilian caught in such a scenario, knowing how to interact with them can greatly assist in their response efforts.
When help arrives, clear and concise communication is vital. Here are some essential tips on how to interact with law enforcement and emergency responders during an active shooter event:
If you have witnessed the shooter or have any pertinent information, share it with the responders to aid their efforts.
Comply with all instructions given by law enforcement officers. They may ask you to evacuate, hide, or provide information about the shooter's location.
Stay as calm as possible to relay information accurately and help responders understand the situation better.
Actions to Take Before Help Arrives
While waiting for professional help to arrive, there are certain actions you can take to enhance your safety and the safety of those around you:
Here are some myths to look out for:
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Barricade if Possible: If trapped in a room, use furniture or heavy objects to barricade the door.
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Silence Phones: Turn off or set your phone to silent mode to avoid attracting the shooter's attention.
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Stay Low: If unable to escape or barricade, stay low to the ground to avoid being in the shooter's line of sight.
Be Prepared for Help During Active Shooter Response Events with Training
In the face of an active shooter situation, being prepared for the arrival of professional help can make a critical difference. Effective training equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to interact safely and cooperatively with law enforcement and other emergency responders. Understanding their roles and actions, along with knowing how to follow instructions during a crisis, ensures a coordinated response that maximizes the chances of survival and minimizes potential risks.
Helping over 8,000 organizations create a safer, more productive workplace
EasyLlama’s online training course educates all employees with the skills necessary to keep themselves and their coworkers safe in the case of an active shooter scenario. This course will dive into the actions to take in a crisis situation, what to do when help arrives, and more. The course covers:
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