JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO- LACKLAND, Texas –
An active shooter training exercise at the Reid Clinic Feb.
12 tested the 59th Medical Wing’s ability to respond and survive during an
attack.
The wing partnered with the 802nd Security Forces Squadron
during the exercise scenario which included two armed gunmen storming into the
clinic on a busy afternoon.
Active shooter incidents are on the rise and can occur anytime
or any place. Between 2000 and 2006, there was an average of 6.4 active shooter
incidents every year, according to a study by the FBI and the Department of
Homeland Security. That number jumped to 16.4 between 2007 and 2013.
Because an active-shooter situation typically unfolds very
quickly, knowing what to do and how to apply the “Run-Hide-Fight” model can
save lives, said Bryan Richardson, 59th Medical Wing Inspector General
inspection planner.
“Sixty-nine percent of the incidents ended in five minutes
or less and 23 of the incidents ended in two minutes or less,” explained Dwight
Jackson, 59th MDW facility operations specialist.
Regardless of training or directions, people sometimes react
and respond based on their own instincts or circumstances. Some people may not
be able to leave; others may refuse to leave. But having a survival mindset and
acting accordingly will be the key to successfully surviving the incident, said
Jackson.
“Regular training and exercises can help people respond in
the way that will give them the best chance for survival,” he said.
“If the threat is not immediate and escape is an option,
that should be your first priority,” he said. “If escape is not possible and
there is time to hide, then barricading and locking doors is your best option.
“As a last resort, and if you are in immediate danger, you
must become the predator and position yourself to fight,” he added.
The options for surviving an active shooter situation,
according to the DHS, are run, hide or fight:
RUN: First and foremost, if you can get out, do so.
• If there is an
escape path, attempt to evacuate
• Evacuate whether
others agree to or not
• Leave your
belongings behind
• Help others escape
if possible
• Prevent others
from entering the area
• Call 911 when you
are safe
HIDE: If you can’t
get out safely, find a place to hide. Act quickly and quietly. Try to secure
your hiding place the best you can.
• Lock and/or
blockade the door
• Silence your cell
phone/pager
• Hide behind large
objects
• Remain very quiet
Your hiding place should:
• Be out of the
shooter’s view
• Provide protection
if shots are fired in your direction
• Not trap or
restrict your options for movement
FIGHT: As a last resort, and only if your life is in danger,
fight.
• Attempt to
incapacitate the shooter
• Act with physical
aggression
• Improvise weapons
• Commit to your
actions
"Although law enforcement responds quickly, the (FBI)
report also notes that the short duration of these incidents often puts life
and death decisions in the hands of civilians," Jackson emphasized.
To make sure everybody is properly trained, the 59th MDW IG
office is increasing the number of drills and exercises it conducts on an
annual basis.
“Only through repetition will the wing improve its posture
for this type of incident,” said Richardson.
For more information on active shooter preparedness, visit
the DHS website at www.dhs.gov/active-shooter-preparedness.