Chris McDonald, training coordinator for the Dalton Police Department, recently spoke for an active threat/shooter response presentation for a continuing medical education (CME) program at Hamilton Medical Center (HMC).

 

His presentation involved three key actions, in order: avoid, deny, defend.

The “avoid” step involves moving to safety, then call 9-1-1. Then, “deny” access by locking or barricading doors. Cell phones should be silenced, and lights should be turned off. After trying “avoid” and “deny,” McDonald said, be prepared to “defend” yourself. He recommended finding something to use as a weapon, using the element of surprise, going for the gun (making sure it’s pointed away) and being aggressive.

McDonald said survival is a lot about mindset. “It’s important not to be paranoid or paralyzed by fear,” he said. “You need to act.”