Always on high alert

It’s been nearly two weeks now since I was on the phone, participating in a webinar about the changing landscape of active shooter response. The talk was coming to a close when the session’s moderator interrupted the speaker to issue a “this just in” so to speak. Reports were trickling in about another mass shooting having taken place, this time at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon.

We continue to study why, exactly, this incredibly violent act seems to have become the crisis of our day. We examine psychological factors, our society (especially in regards to violence and fame). We take part in debates about gun control or lack thereof. There are a lot of theories flying around about why this is happening, but most are hard to nail down as absolute. I will say this, however: I deeply respect the trend of law enforcement and media who choose not to over-publicize the names of offenders in press releases and public statements.

It’s important that we continue to ask “why.” It’s also important to ask: What can we do about it now?

As time goes on we continue to engineer and adopt new and better ways to prepare and respond should these events happen in our own communities. First responders (law enforcement, fire, EMS) continue joint training to effect fast response that will subdue the threat and issue near-immediate care. In this month’s issue you can read about why more paramedics are protecting themselves with ballistic gear—whether that gear is provided to them or chosen on an individual basis.

And then there are the increased numbers of civilians, public safety workers and facility managers who embrace state-of-the-art security (including lighting and landscape changes) and notification systems. Some measures are as straightforward as apps in the hands of teachers, students and area law enforcement (on duty or off). Or campus police employing a full-time social media coordinator to monitor posts that could indicate a safety threat.

It’s easy to feel helpless when our schools are under attack. But after some thoughtful consideration there is still plenty we can do to be proactive and prepared.