It happens in an instant and can be devastating and life changing for countless people: ACTIVE SHOOTER! Most recently our nation has faced some social challenges that give us reason to pause. As we ponder the “why” of such situations we should also be thinking, “What can I do to prepare my center for an unexpected event while not instilling fear?”
The bad news is that we can’t always predict or change the behavior of a disgruntled employee, a rogue family member or a stranger on the street who happens to target us. The good news is that we have support! The HealthCare and Public Health Sector Coordinating Council published the “Active Shooter Planning and Response in a Healthcare Setting” plan in April 2015. This plan includes:
- Prevention
- Law Enforcement Tactics
- Coordinated Response
- Behavioral Health Support
Preparing for an Active Shooter
Being prepared for the health and medical consequences of an active shooter event requires open communication and coordination of a number of key stakeholders, especially:
- Law enforcement
- Medical practitioners responsible for trauma services and behavioral health services
- Entities involved in providing and supporting community services—including the private sector, non-governmental organizations, the faith-based community and other social service agencies
Communities should emphasize “run, hide, fight” training for community members and caregivers. They may also wish to provide training and access to medical first aid supplies to emphasize the importance of the active bystander. At a minimum, communities should partner with local law enforcement (i.e., the Federal Emergency Management Agency FEMA) to optimize passive and active security systems, and train and exercise their personnel on responses.
Fallout Within Your Community After an Attack
The primary goal of these types of attacks is to instill a sense of fear and social disruption. Healthcare workers and first responders are the highest risk for facing a wide range of mental health effects—ranging from normal stress responses to longer-lasting emotional and behavioral changes. Feelings of anger caused by the senselessness of the violence and helplessness can also contribute to psychological risk.
As a part of your preparedness program, you should include a provision for psychological first aid to anyone affected. You should also communicate typical stress responses. These steps are important in supporting personal recovery. Affected staff should be followed by peers and supervisors based on their level of exposure and impact. It's not unusual for symptoms of psychological distress to surface months to even a year later (anniversary effects).
Review Your Plan Before You Need It
Bottom line is, with the most recent events on The Ohio State University Campus, please take a few minutes to review your plan!
- Establish a secure evacuation plan and a “shelter in place” plan
- Educate staff on the importance of maintaining cell phones on silent mode
- Review your transfer policy for emergency care with local hospitals and EMS
- Above all, be safe!
