SURVING AN
ACTIVE SHOOTER
Course Outline
History
Virginia Tech - April 16, 2007
Where are we now?
The Active Shooter Defined
They are NOT trying to rob you.
Their purpose is KILLING.
Mentality of Active Shooter
* Over 80% of the time the shooter is a male
What to Do?
RUN
HIDE
If you can’t get out, get into a room if possible or hide so you can’t be seen.
- Lock the door.
- Block/barricade the door using whatever is available
(door wedge, desks, tables, file cabinets, books, other
furniture)
- If safe allow others to seek refuge with you
- Call 911 when it is safe to do so
HIDE
- Close blinds
- Block windows
- Turn off electronics (TV, radio, etc)
- Dim or face computer monitors away from
windows or doors
- Silence cell phones (including vibrate mode)
- Keep occupants calm and quiet
DOORS, WINDOWS, OPENINGS, and NOISE
HIDE
After securing the room. People should be positioned out of sight and behind items that might offer additional protection – walls, desks, file cabinets, etc.
- Separate people into smaller groups
- Stay low- reduce your profile, be as far away from the source of the shooting as possible (lie on the floor on the far side of the room.
- Remain calm – it can have a contagious effect on others
- Keep others focused on survival
DOORS, WINDOWS, OPENINGS, and NOISE
HIDE
HIDE
FIGHT
Throw Club Tackle
Stab Punch Improvise
FIGHT
Butterknife Fork
Pencil/pen Letter Opener
Scissors Fire Extinguisher
FIGHT
Law Enforcement Objective
Law Enforcement Responders
Law Enforcement Responders
Evacuation
- Safety corridors will be established. This may be time consuming
- Remain in secure areas until instructed otherwise
- You may have weapons pointed in your direction
- You may be instructed to keep your hands on your head
- You may be searched and handcuffed
- You will be escorted out of the building by law enforcement personnel
Law Enforcement Responders
Injured persons
-Initial responding officers will not treat injured or begin evacuation until the threat is neutralized or the area is secure.
-You may need to explain this to others in an attempt to calm them
-Once the shooter is contained, officers or first responders will begin treatment and evacuation
The Investigation
The Press
Summary
Active Shooter
Summary
Law enforcement response
- Objective is to neutralize threat
- Evacuation
- Follow up medical care, interview, counseling
- Investigation
QUESTIONS?