ACTIVE SHOOTER AGAIN

As I listen to newscasts detailing the most recent mass shooting in Orlando, Florida, I am frustrated by this continuing wave of violence that wracks our country. Some have forgotten the ability to resolve conflicts with dignity and respect and instead choose their own form of punishment with those whom they do not agree.  Or perhaps they were never taught, when I read about the bullying that occurs on school buses by children as young as kindergarten and bus drivers helpless to intervene as they face the wrath of "entitled" parents.

Unfortunately every workplace safety professional needs to prepare employees for this type of conflict which can occur both at work and other personal venues. Today, people are more apt to take their frustrations out on those they work with, or those their spouse works with, another's religion, lifestyle or gender identification. They are cowards all.  Nothing like being the only one prepared to take others' lives when they are not expecting it. Their choice of venue isn't identified as a kill zone or war to the victims they attack.  A little different if the man or woman on the other side of your gun site is aiming back at you.

We are all still new to this unexpected crisis and are still surprised at how quickly and lethal the situation can become. Most of us (besides military or police) are not trained to dive for cover and/or prepared to defend ourselves nor do we expect to. Most of us would stop and stare and try to figure out what is happening before moving - sitting ducks. I am not advocating we all arm ourselves and go everywhere hand on our weapon waiting for an opportunity.

Again most of us are not trained on when and where to shoot if the situation arises. Many innocents could be injured if everyone starts shooting indiscriminately. Case in point.  Already I hear questions being raised by the media of why the police took three hours to move in and why can't they get the deceased out of the building quicker. There was intel of an explosive device brought in by the perpetrator. The police were trying to avoid further bloodshed as well as death and injury to first responders by assessing and moving when it was the right time. They still need to clear the building of any hazards before letting people in. But the armchair quarterbacks with their 20-20 hindsight will continue to criticize.  A situation I am well aware of as a safety professional who needed to "make safe" before I could render aid.

I still think though we can take the example of the planeload of heroes in Pennsylvania who knew what had already happened and "swarmed" the cowards who had commandeered their plane. Though they all died, heroes, they saved who knows how many on the ground. I hope I will have the courage if I am ever in an active shooter situation to lead the charge.