The ABC’s of surviving an active shooter: What to do and how to stay safe

DENVER, CO - MARCH 24: Joe Deedon, former law enforecement officer and owner of Tac*One Consulting (L), teaches a "Lone Wolf" civilian active shooter response course for concealed weapons permit holders on March 24, 2018 in Longmont, Colorado. The class, based on a similar law enforcement course, is designed to challenge students mentally and physically leaving with a solid plan to defend themselves and others during the critical first moments of a deadly attack. (Photo by Rick T. Wilking/Getty Images)

What would you do in the event of a shooting?

A common response might be to duck under a table or follow the widely recommended “run, hide, fight” protocol. But that alone might not be enough to increase chances of survival. As mass shootings continue to occur in unpredictable locations, companies have started to invest in active-survival training.

These programs go beyond traditional approaches and educate participants on how to navigate and react when there’s an active shooter on location. Some active-shooter trainings now involve the acronym ABCS, which stands for Avoid, Barricade, Counter and Survive and teaches participants what to do if they find themselves face-to-face with a shooter, bleeding control techniques and more. Other approaches include high-skill, role-playing drills that place participants in a realistic scenario. Some argue the lifelike strategy is potentially traumatizing.

Do you know what to do when there’s an active shooter? What would you like to know about the protocol? Call in to share your questions and comments at 866-893-5722.

Guest:

Chris Kopp, owner of Lockdown International and creator of the active survival program, a course designed to provide individuals with survival skills during violent incidents; he previously served two tours on active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps (1999-2007)