The unfortunate truth in our industry is that active shooter policies, procedures, and training are not only necessary but required, depending on your community’s level of care and licensure. There is so much information from FEMA, OSHA, Homeland Security, and other sources that it can be overwhelming to review.
Preparing Your Community for an Active Shooter
Evolucent suggests beginning with an evaluation of your current policies and practices. What do you have in place and how have you operationalized your training? Are your policies and practices based on validated sources, evidence-based research, and standardized protocols? Have they been reviewed annually and revised if needed? Has your community conducted a security risk assessment?
Training on active shooter response is the most critical aspect of your program. Rely on plain language and practice drills that teach responses to an active shooter.
Your community should also include training and policies related to the followup of an event—including working with law enforcement to maintain a secure crime scene, minimizing both emotional and physical trauma for residents and staff members.
There are many great resources available, but few are specifically oriented toward long-term care communities. Here are some resources we've found helpful:
- Alice Training Institute
- FBI's Active Shooter Planning and Response in a Health Care Setting
- Homeland Security Active Shooter Preparedness
Don't Wait to Be Prepared
Train the trainers in your community on active shooter procedures and begin an honest appraisal of your community’s capacity to effectively respond to an active shooter. Review the legal requirements for weapons on the property of your community, and what postings are required. Make sure your policies and procedures are not in violation of state or Federal laws, and methodically lay out your community’s responses to this potential crisis.
Remember, being prepared is the key and as always, should you need assistance with developing your plan please contact your Evolucent Risk Manager.
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