CIVILIAN RESPONSE
TO ACTIVE SHOOTER
EVENTS
Disaster ResponseThe background science of how
people behave in high stress events
•Denial•Deliberation•Decisive Moment
Three Stages of Disaster Response
Stress ResponseH
eart
Rat
e
Deliberation
• Fight• Flight• Freeze
Deliberation
•Calm yourself•Combat breathing•Shift your emotion•Stay fit
Deliberation
•Script•Practice
Active Shooter Events
Active Shooter Event=
Attempted Mass Murder
Definition
•No “Profile”•Avenger Mindset•Some broadcast
The Shooter
Number Shot
0-4
5-9
10+
200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014
Location of Attacks
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Other
Outdoors
Education
Commerce
Shooter Connection55%
45%
Connection
No Connection
How quickly the police arrive
Target availability
Number of Deaths
Civilian Response
Denial•Don’t Deny•Hear Gunshots•Go to deliberation
Deliberation
•Avoid •Deny•Defend
Avoid
•Leave ASAP•Know your exits•Call 911
Avoid
•Consider Secondary Exits
Deny
•Lock the door•Lights out•Out of sight
Deny
•Barricade•Heavier = Better•More = Better•Doorstops = Better?
Deny
•Outward opening•Ropes•Tactical Cinch
Defend
•Positioning•Grab the gun•Fight
Yes
Attack Starts
Primary Exits?
DENY
AVOID
DEFENDOtherExits?
Yes
No No
AVOID
Yes
Attack Starts
Primary Exits?
DENY
AVOID
DEFENDOtherExits?
Yes
No No
AVOID
When the Police Arrive•Follow commands •Show your palms•Do not move
Medical
•EMS Delay•People Need Help•Seek Immediate Responder Training
Summary•Be Aware of Your Surroundings
•Avoid, Deny, Defend
•Questions?