According to the FBI, an active shooting is when “one or more individuals [are] actively engag[ing] in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined space or populated area.” In recent years, there has been a significant increase in workplace active shootings in the US. Just how many shootings have there been? Let’s take a look at data provided by the FBI’s active shooting statistics for 2021:
Unfortunately, most past shooting events took place at businesses and educational institutions. Furthermore, statistics demonstrate a 50 percent increase in incidents from 2020–21, with California having the most workplace shootings in 2021.
Run-Hide-Fight
The consequences of workplace shootings can be dire. Besides casualties, a shooting can cause trauma for victims and individuals peripheral to the incident.
What would you do if an active shooter entered your workplace? If you were not prepared, you might feel scared and not know what to do.
The Department of Homeland Security recommends using the Run-Hide-Fight method to prepare for a shooting. The method outlines three steps:
- RUN Your first instinct should be to run from the situation if you can. Identify the nearest exit furthest away from the shooting and escape to an area of safety.
- HIDE If you are unable to escape, hide behind objects or somewhere out of the shooter’s view. Cover and conceal yourself until help arrives.
- FIGHT As a last resort, try to incapacitate the shooter. Specifically, disarm and distract them by throwing surrounding handheld objects toward them and yelling.
Benefits of Virtual Reality Training
To protect employees, organizations ought to take appropriate measures to ensure a physically safe working environment. One way to achieve this is by investing in training that focuses on preparing employees for active shootings.
Virtual reality (VR) training is one powerful way to practice responding in a fail-safe way. For instance, using this platform, Walmart employees were able to react effectively to the El Paso shooting.
VR simulates realistic scenarios, teaching employees how to identify various gun sounds, determine the nearest exit, and improvise weapons. Immersive learning enables employees to become familiar with essential response tactics from engaging first-person perspectives.
Sisu VR’s Active Shooter Preparation Training is just one example VR application that can help save lives. Using the Run-Hide-Fight and Evacuate method, the training empowers employees to confidently address workplace violence.
As we look to the future, let us recognize the power of immersive learning and how it can help us be better prepared for critical, workplace safety incidents. Contact Sisu VR today to learn more.
