During an Active Threat Event, what is the best course of action for staff, patients, and visitors?

During an Active Threat Event, the primary objective for staff, patients, and visitors is to establish the safest possible position while minimizing exposure to danger. Evading the situation—if a safe route is available—or sheltering in place in the immediate vicinity provides a strategy that can protect individuals from harm.

In practicing situational awareness, swiftly moving away from the threat if possible prevents potential contact with danger. If evacuation is not feasible due to the proximity of the threat, sheltering in place allows individuals to conceal themselves from the assailant, thereby reducing the likelihood of injury. This approach is aligned with best practices outlined in many emergency response training programs.

In contrast, other options like searching for exits immediately could expose individuals to the threat without adequate awareness of their safety, especially if the exits are not secure. Utilizing communication devices alone may distract from immediate safety measures and could potentially alert the threat to the presence of individuals. Forming a group and waiting may lead to vulnerability, as this strategy does not actively promote protection or evasion from the threat. Thus, evading and sheltering in place are critical actions that prioritize the safety of all individuals involved.