Nearly 170 Baptist team members participated in active shooter training led by Michael Rallings, system director of security, at Corporate during eight separate sessions in September. Ten CONCERN Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counselors took part in training during a similar session in October.
“It was important for us to have a plan in place,” said Melissa Wilkes Donahue, director of CONCERN EAP. “We took time to learn best practices so our team would be empowered and prepared to react in an informed manner.”
“Aligning with guidelines from The Joint Commission, we practice prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery,” said Michael. “Sadly, no places are immune to an active shooter situation. We’re making sure that we promote awareness and provide training and education.”
The training featured the Run, Hide, Fight or Avoid, Deny, Defend strategy in the event of an active shooter. The guidelines are highlighted below.
Run, Hide, Fight (Avoid, Deny, Defend)
Run (Avoid)
Have an escape route and plan in mind. Know where your exits are located, and follow these guidelines:
- Leave your belongings behind.
- Help others escape, if possible.
- Evacuate regardless of others who choose to hide.
- Warn/prevent individuals from entering.
- Do not attempt to move wounded people.
- Keep your hands visible.
- Follow police instructions.
- Call 911 when safe.
If you have mobility issues and can’t run or you’re caring for an immobile patient, hide instead.
Hide (Deny)
Your hiding spot should
- Be out of the active shooter’s view
- Provide protection if shots are fired
- Not restrict options for movement
Keep yourself safe while hiding by silencing electronics and locking doors, securing them with available furniture or equipment.
When safe to do so, provide law enforcement or 911 operators with the following information:
- Location of the shooter
- Number of shooters
- Physical description of shooters
- Number and types of weapons
- Number of potential victims
Fight (Defend)
As an absolute last resort:
- Act as aggressively as possible.
- Throw items, and use improvised weapons, such as a fire extinguisher.
- Work together to incapacitate the shooter.
- Commit to your actions.
Each Baptist entity may work with their local security leader for active shooter training. If your entity does not have a security team, contact Michael Rallings about training at Michael.Rallings@bmhcc.org.
