How should you respond to an active shooter situation in a healthcare facility?

In an active shooter situation, the most effective response is to follow the "Run, Hide, Fight" protocol as recommended by safety authorities. This approach provides a clear and structured method for individuals to protect themselves and others in a dangerous scenario.

The first part of the protocol, "Run," encourages individuals to escape the area if it is safe to do so. Evacuating allows you to get to a place of safety and helps to minimize the number of potential victims. If running is not possible due to the proximity of the shooter or if an exit is not accessible, then the next step is to "Hide." This involves finding a secure location, staying quiet, and barricading oneself if possible, thereby reducing visibility and making it harder for the shooter to find you.

If both running and hiding are not viable options and you are faced directly with the threat, the final component is to "Fight." This should only be considered as a last resort and entails attempting to incapacitate the shooter, using any means available, while ensuring personal safety.

This multi-faceted approach addresses varying circumstances that may be faced and emphasizes the importance of assessing the situation before acting, rather than adopting a single response that might not be appropriate in all cases. The