What is the best way to reduce the number of people injured or killed during an active shooter event in the workplace?

Participating in Active Shooter Trainings is the Best Way to Reduce Injuries and Deaths During Workplace Active Shooter Events

Participating in active shooter trainings is the most effective way to reduce the number of people injured or killed during an active shooter event in your workplace. 1 While other responses like activating emergency services, reaching the injured quickly, and knowing when to run, hide, or fight are important components, proper training provides the comprehensive preparation needed to minimize casualties.

Evidence for Active Shooter Training Effectiveness

The National Association of School Psychologists and National Association of School Resource Officers recommend a hierarchy of preparedness strategies, beginning with discussion-based exercises before considering more complex drills 1. This structured approach ensures participants understand proper protocols before implementing them in high-stress situations.

Research shows that without proper training, individuals may make critical errors in judgment during active shooter events. For example:

• Untrained personnel may be almost twice as likely to misjudge critical action steps in simulations compared to those who received proper training 1
• Without training, individuals might make dangerous decisions like attacking someone who isn't an immediate threat or running from a classroom when staying would be safer 1

Components of Effective Active Shooter Training

Effective active shooter training should include:

1. Age-appropriate and role-specific content - Training should be tailored to the specific workplace environment and roles of participants 1
2. Graduated approach - Begin with discussion-based exercises before moving to more complex drills 1
3. Mental health considerations - Include mental health professionals in planning and implementation to minimize potential psychological distress 1
4. Clear notification protocols - Ensure all participants know when drills are occurring to prevent unnecessary trauma 1

Why Other Options Are Less Effective

While other responses are important components of an overall safety plan, they are less effective as standalone strategies:

• Activating emergency services rapidly: Critical but insufficient alone, as casualties often occur before first responders arrive
• Reaching the injured quickly: Important for reducing mortality but doesn't prevent initial injuries
• Running, hiding, fighting: These are tactical responses that require proper training to execute effectively

Implementation Recommendations

To implement effective active shooter training in your workplace:

1. Follow a hierarchy of preparedness - Begin with simple discussion-based exercises before conducting complex drills 1
2. Include mental health professionals in planning and implementation 1
3. Provide advance notification of drills to prevent unnecessary trauma 1
4. Avoid high-intensity simulations that may cause psychological distress unless absolutely necessary 1
5. Monitor participants' reactions during and after drills to provide support as needed 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Deceptive drills: Never conduct drills where participants believe it's a real event - this is harmful, unethical, and counterproductive 1
• Overly traumatic simulations: High-intensity simulations with realistic violence may cause unnecessary trauma 1
• Inadequate preparation: Jumping straight to complex drills without proper preparation and discussion 1
• Ignoring psychological impacts: Failing to consider the potential psychological effects of training 1

By prioritizing proper active shooter training that follows these guidelines, workplaces can significantly reduce the potential number of casualties during an active shooter event while minimizing psychological harm to participants.