Mass shooting/casualty event

Is this a mass casualty event?

In the event of a mass casualty event you may hear:

  • Screams
  • Gunshots
  • Three short high-pitched whistles–all volunteers are equipped with whistles and, in the case of a legitimate mass shooting/casualty event, will whistle three times.

You may see people fleeing.

What to do in a mass casualty event

If you believe you are experiencing a mass casualty event, immediately drop and abandon ALL PROPS AND PROP WEAPONS.

Follow the RUN, HIDE, FIGHT guidelines:

RUN and escape, if possible.
HIDE, if escape is not possible.
FIGHT as an absolute last resort.

RUN:

  • Getting away from the shooter or shooters is the top priority.
  • Leave your belongings behind and get away.
  • Help others escape, if possible, but evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow.
  • Warn and prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be.
  • Call 911 when you are safe, and describe shooter, location, and weapons.
  • Watch Chibi Chibi Con social media, like Twitter, for updates on the situation.

 

HIDE:

  • Get out of the shooter’s view and stay very quiet.
  • Silence all electronic devices and make sure they won’t vibrate.
  • Lock and block doors, close blinds, and turn off lights.
  • Don’t hide in groups- spread out along walls or hide separately to make it more difficult for the shooter.
  • Try to communicate with police silently. Use text message or social media to tag your location, or put a sign in a window.
  • Stay in place until law enforcement gives you the all clear.
  • Your hiding place should be out of the shooter’s view and provide protection if shots are fired in your direction.
  • Watch Chibi Chibi Con social media, like Twitter, for updates on the situation.

 

FIGHT:

  • Commit to your actions and act as aggressively as possible against the shooter.
  • Recruit others to ambush the shooter with makeshift weapons like chairs, fire extinguishers, scissors, books, etc.
  • Be prepared to cause severe or lethal injury to the shooter.
  • Throw items and improvise weapons to distract and disarm the shooter.

 

After:

  • Keep hands visible and empty.
  • Know that law enforcement’s first task is to end the incident, and they may have to pass injured along the way.
  • Follow law enforcement instructions and evacuate in the direction they come from, unless otherwise instructed.
  • Take care of yourself first, and then you may be able to help the wounded before first responders arrive.
  • If the injured are in immediate danger, help get them to safety.
  • While you wait for first responder to arrive, provide first aid. Apply direct pressure to wounded areas and use tourniquets if you have been trained to do so.
  • Turn wounded people onto their sides if they are unconscious and keep them warm.
  • Consider seeking professional help for you and your family to cope with the long-term effects of the trauma.

 

Source: https://www.ready.gov/active-shooter