Showing posts with label emergency response. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

When Danger Strikes

How Faculty and Students Should Respond During an Active Shooter Incident

By John Fisher (assisted by AI)

Active shooter situations unfold quickly and without warning. In the chaos of those first moments, knowing how to respond can save lives. Both faculty and students play critical roles in protecting themselves and others, and research from past school and campus incidents provides clear guidance on what works. Drawing from decades of experience, experts like Ms. Susan Payne and Dr. Sarah Goodrum emphasize the need for preparedness, calm decision-making, and consistent response strategies.

Below is a straightforward, practical guide for what to do if an active shooter event occurs on a college campus.

What You Should Do Immediately

1. RUN — If You Can Escape, Do It First

If it is safe to evacuate the area, run immediately.

Leave belongings behind
Help others escape if possible
Prevent others from entering the danger zone
Keep your hands visible for responding officers
Call 911 when you reach safety

Ms. Payne emphasized:

“Modern response training teaches us to move toward safety immediately. Seconds matter.”

2. HIDE — If Escape Isn’t Possible, Hide Effectively

If you cannot run, your next step is to hide.

Choose a hiding place that:

has a door you can lock or barricade
is out of the shooter’s line of sight
provides solid coverage, not just concealment
allows you to remain quiet and undetected

Turn off lights, silence phones, stay low, and remain completely still.

Dr. Goodrum explained:

“Hiding works when people choose a secure space, stay silent, and deny the attacker access.”

Sheltering in Place: When and What It Means

Sheltering in place means staying where you are and making that space as secure as possible. It is used when leaving the area would put you in greater danger.

When to Shelter in Place

Shelter in place when:

the shooter is nearby and evacuation is unsafe
you cannot reach an exit without crossing the attacker’s path
you receive a lockdown notification
law enforcement instructs you to stay put
the building layout makes escape unclear

Dr. Goodrum emphasized:

“A safety plan can break down when we don’t execute the basics. Sheltering in place works when people stay quiet, hidden, and secure behind locked or barricaded doors.”

What Sheltering in Place Involves

To shelter in place effectively:

Lock the door immediately
Barricade using desks, tables, cabinets, or other solid objects
Turn off lights
Silence phones and devices
Stay out of sight—preferably behind solid cover
Remain absolutely quiet
Move to a corner not visible from windows
Do not open the door for anyone except clearly identified law enforcement

As Ms. Payne noted:

“Sheltering in place saves lives. It’s one of the most effective strategies when escape isn’t possible and the threat is still active.”

3. FIGHT — As a Last Resort

If you cannot run or hide, and your life is in immediate danger, be prepared to defend yourself.

Use whatever is available:

chairs
fire extinguishers
laptops
heavy backpacks
scissors or tools

Act aggressively and commit fully. Work as a group if possible.

Ms. Payne explained:

“It is rare to reach the ‘fight’ moment, but if you do, act decisively. Hesitation can cost lives.”

What Faculty Should Do Specifically

1. Calm and Direct Your Students

Your voice and demeanor guide the room.

Speak clearly
Give firm, simple instructions
Keep students as calm as possible

2. Lock Down the Classroom

If evacuation isn’t safe:

lock the doors immediately
barricade using desks, tables, or cabinets
turn off lights
move everyone out of sight
silence all devices

3. Account for Students After You Reach Safety

Once the threat is neutralized:

assist police
communicate with administrators
report missing or injured students
support reunification efforts

4. Know Campus Protocols

Make sure you’re familiar with:

emergency procedures
evacuation routes
shelter-in-place guidelines
reporting tools like SafeUT

What Students Should Do Specifically

1. Know Your Options Beforehand

Review each classroom you enter:

Where are the exits?
What can serve as a barricade?
Where can you hide?
What could be used as a defensive tool?

2. Follow Instructions

In emergencies, unified action saves lives. Follow faculty and police directions quickly.

3. Help Others if Possible

Assist classmates who panic or freeze—but only if it is safe.

How Law Enforcement Responds

Modern law enforcement no longer waits outside.

As Ms. Payne explained:

“Columbine changed everything. Officers now go directly to the threat to stop the violence as fast as possible.”

Follow all commands, keep your hands visible, and do not run toward officers.

Conclusion

Active shooter incidents are unpredictable and frightening, but preparation saves lives. By understanding the “Run, Hide, Fight” model, knowing when to shelter in place, and responding quickly and calmly, faculty and students can greatly increase their chances of staying safe. No plan eliminates all risk—but awareness, training, and decisive action remain our strongest tools.

Saturday, February 22, 2025

Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle

How Applied Learning Prepares Students for Emergency Response

by John Fisher (assisted by AI)

Emergency response training is crucial for students preparing for careers in healthcare, firefighting, law enforcement, and disaster management. Traditional classroom instruction provides theoretical knowledge, but experiential learning enhances students’ ability to think critically and act effectively in high-pressure situations. David Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory (1984) offers a structured approach that integrates hands-on experiences with reflective learning, helping students develop essential skills for emergency response.

Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle in Emergency Response Training

Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle consists of four stages, each reinforcing students’ ability to analyze and apply real-world knowledge:

1. Concrete Experience – Students engage in hands-on emergency simulations, such as disaster drills, medical response exercises, or fire rescue scenarios.

2. Reflective Observation – After the experience, students review their actions, discuss challenges, and analyze what went well and what could be improved.

3. Abstract Conceptualization – Learners connect their observations to theoretical frameworks, refining their understanding of best practices in emergency management.

4. Active Experimentation – Students apply newly developed strategies in subsequent training exercises, reinforcing their learning and improving their response effectiveness.

By progressing through these stages, students gain the confidence and adaptability necessary to perform under real-world emergency conditions (Kolb, 1984).

Understanding Learning Styles for Effective Emergency Training

Kolb also identified four learning styles that influence how students absorb and process information:

• Diverging Learners – Thrive in group discussions and case study analysis, making them well-suited for debriefings and peer evaluations.

• Assimilating Learners – Excel in theoretical understanding and data analysis, benefiting from scenario planning and emergency response frameworks.

• Converging Learners – Prefer problem-solving and technical application, making them strong candidates for hands-on equipment training.

• Accommodating Learners – Learn best through direct experience, thriving in real-time emergency drills and field training exercises.

Recognizing these learning styles helps educators tailor emergency response training to optimize student engagement and skill retention (Kolb, 1984).

Conclusion

Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory offers a powerful framework for emergency response education. By engaging students in hands-on exercises, promoting reflection, and applying lessons learned to new situations, this approach ensures that future emergency responders develop the critical thinking, adaptability, and teamwork skills necessary for success in high-stakes environments. As emergencies continue to evolve, integrating experiential learning remains essential in preparing the next generation of professionals.

Hashtags: #ExperientialLearning #EmergencyResponse #HandsOnTraining #KolbTheory #Preparedness

References

Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development. Prentice-Hall. Retrieved from Simply Psychology

Saturday, January 11, 2025

Disaster Response and Recovery

Lessons from Emergencies: Themes in Disaster Response and Recovery

by John Fisher

In a disaster response and recovery class at Utah Valley University, students shared personal experiences and reflections on emergencies and disasters. Their stories revealed the challenges and insights gained from facing such events, whether directly or through simulations. This analysis explores five key themes that emerged from their posts: preparedness and infrastructure, community and support, resilience and emotional impact, unpredictability of disasters, and reflection and learning.

1. Preparedness and Infrastructure

Many students highlighted the importance of preparation and the role of infrastructure in mitigating disaster impacts.
- A student reflecting on flooding in Magé, Brazil, noted how poor infrastructure exacerbated the situation, emphasizing the need for better planning: "It made me realize how important good infrastructure is to handle heavy rain."
- Another student, after experiencing a wildfire near their home, shared proactive steps to prepare for future incidents: "It made me think about how we could protect our home and surrounding area in case this happens again but isn't stopped in time."
- A participant described their observations during a hailstorm, emphasizing how building location and drainage issues worsened flooding: "I thought about the way the building was situated in the landscape and how there are many areas in my community where water can get trapped."

2. Community and Support

The importance of community collaboration and mutual aid during disasters was a recurring theme.
- One student shared how their neighborhood came together to assist tornado victims: "We immediately got to work, trying to pull people out and locating their families."
- Another described neighbors working together to manage flooding during a hailstorm: "All of my neighbors were out with buckets scooping water and trying to carry it away from the building."
- A student recalled volunteering at a rescue mission impacted by an earthquake, where displaced individuals had to move temporarily: "They had to evacuate the building and move to a Rec Center, where they had to live for a couple of months, while the building was restored."

3. Resilience and Emotional Impact

Students reflected on the emotional toll disasters took and the resilience required to cope with them.
- A student shared the lingering emotional effects of a traumatic deployment experience, emphasizing the importance of seeking help: "It really hit me hard when I got home... it eventually led me to therapy and a new understanding."
- Another student reflected on the impact of witnessing neighbors’ suffering after a tornado: "The sounds of these people’s lives being torn apart... is pretty embedded into my soul."
- A participant described the frustration and gratitude experienced after a car accident, noting relief that the consequences were minimal: "I am happy this was not a bigger issue than it was."

4. Unpredictability of Disasters

Many posts highlighted the sudden and unpredictable nature of emergencies.
- One student compared their experiences with earthquakes in Mexico City and Salt Lake City, noting unexpected differences in the sounds and structural responses: "Building materials are different here, so believe it or not, the sound is way different and I’m not used to it."
- Another emphasized the unpredictability of wildfires and the rapid changes they bring: "It made me realize how quickly things can change and how important it is to be prepared."
- A participant shared their dread during a wildfire, describing how close the flames came to their home: "There was only dry brush standing between the flames and my backyard... I was certain it would devour my new home."

5. Reflection and Learning

Students often reflected on lessons learned and considered ways to improve their responses to future disasters.
- A participant shared how simulations in their EMT course prepared them for real-life scenarios: "It can be overwhelming when first walking into the incident but I just take a deep breath and do my job."
- Another reflected on learning from a hailstorm to better understand vulnerabilities in their community: "It made me think about the way the building was situated in the landscape."
- A student connected their experience with flooding to broader lessons about infrastructure and preparedness: "If it was bigger, it could have resulted in a landslide or flooding/damage to the entire house."

Conclusion

The shared experiences of these students illustrate the multifaceted nature of emergencies and disasters, highlighting the importance of preparedness, community support, resilience, and reflection. These stories provide valuable insights into how individuals and communities can navigate the challenges posed by disasters while emphasizing the need for proactive planning and emotional support.

Hashtags:

#DisasterPreparedness #EmergencyResponse #CommunitySupport #Resilience #DisasterRecovery

Sunday, September 08, 2024

Media Relations

photo credit: FEMA

Power of Media Relations in Emergency Response

In an emergency, timely and accurate communication can significantly impact public perception, trust, and safety. Media relations is a critical aspect of managing communication between an organization and the public through media outlets. Whether it's relaying essential information during a crisis or ensuring the organization's message remains consistent and credible, the role of media relations cannot be overstated. It involves building and nurturing relationships with journalists, media outlets, bloggers, and influencers to ensure that the public receives clear, accurate, and positive representations of the organization’s mission, policies, and practices. Effective media relations is vital for maintaining public trust and managing crisis situations. Here, we explore best practices for media relations in the context of emergency response.

Designate a Spokesperson

One of the first steps in effective media relations during an emergency is designating a trained spokesperson and an alternate. Having a dedicated spokesperson ensures that the messaging remains consistent and clear. A spokesperson serves as the face and voice of the organization, providing the media with reliable, concise, and authoritative updates. This individual must be well-trained in delivering information under pressure, answering difficult questions, and correcting misinformation. An alternate spokesperson ensures that there is continuity in communication if the primary spokesperson becomes unavailable, reducing confusion and maintaining a steady flow of information.

Establish a Media Briefing Area

Setting up a designated area for media briefings is another key practice. Having a controlled environment where journalists can gather ensures the organization can manage the dissemination of information effectively. This briefing area provides an organized space for delivering regular updates, answering media inquiries, and managing the flow of critical details. It also helps ensure that the organization has control over the messages being relayed to the public. A well-coordinated media area fosters professionalism and shows that the organization is in control of the situation, building confidence in its emergency response efforts.

Use the Joint Information System (JIS)

When multiple jurisdictions and agencies are involved in an emergency, the Joint Information System (JIS) is invaluable. JIS coordinates public information efforts across all involved parties to ensure a unified and consistent message is being communicated to the public. This collaboration prevents mixed messages, which can cause confusion and panic. By utilizing JIS, emergency responders, government officials, and agencies can align their messaging to provide the public with accurate, timely, and trustworthy information.

Develop Partnerships with Local Media

Relationships with local media outlets are essential for accurate and effective communication, especially in the early stages of an emergency. Establishing these relationships before a disaster strikes ensures that the organization has trusted partners who can quickly disseminate accurate information to the local community. Local media are often the first to cover breaking news and are trusted sources within their regions. By building these partnerships, organizations can rely on local media to help combat misinformation and provide the public with life-saving information when it matters most.

Set Up a Central Website

In the age of digital information, a central website can be a critical tool for managing media relations. This website serves as a hub for official updates, fact-checking, and debunking false information that may spread during an emergency. A well-designed, easy-to-navigate website allows the public and media to access verified information quickly. It also provides a central location for critical updates, reducing the likelihood of misinformation circulating on social media or other less reliable platforms.

Plan for Social Media Use

Social media has become one of the most powerful tools for real-time communication during disasters. Organizations must plan for its use before a disaster occurs, establishing social media protocols and identifying which platforms will be used to communicate with the public. Popular social media tools such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram allow organizations to quickly disseminate updates, answer questions, and interact with the public. Social media can also be used to correct misinformation as it arises and to provide vital updates to large audiences instantly. A well-thought-out social media strategy is crucial for effective crisis communication.

Regular Training and Exercises

Finally, conducting regular training and exercises is essential for ensuring that media relations efforts run smoothly in an emergency. Crisis communication exercises help staff prepare for real-life scenarios, ensuring that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. These drills allow organizations to test their media briefing processes, spokesperson effectiveness, social media strategies, and partnerships with local media. Training also helps identify any weaknesses or gaps in the communication plan, allowing the organization to make improvements before an actual disaster strikes.

Conclusion

Effective media relations in emergency response is critical to managing public perception, reducing misinformation, and maintaining trust. By designating a trained spokesperson, establishing a media briefing area, utilizing the Joint Information System (JIS), and developing strong relationships with local media, organizations can ensure that accurate and consistent information reaches the public during a crisis. Setting up a central website, planning for social media use, and conducting regular training further enhances the organization’s ability to communicate effectively during emergencies. These best practices help to streamline communication efforts, reduce the spread of misinformation, and foster public trust, ultimately improving the overall effectiveness of emergency response efforts.