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Active shooters — how close are they?
Affiliations- Department of Rescue and Disaster Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland
- Polish Society of Medical Simulation, Poland
- Journal Club, Poznan University of Medical Sciences
- Institute of Disaster Medicine and Emergency, Faculty of Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University, Krakow
- Department of Battlefield Medicine and Medical Simulation of Center of Postgraduate Education, Professional Development and Medical Simulation, Warsav Military Institute
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Abstract
Recent terrorist attacks in the United States, Canada and Western Europe have shown an increase in the incidence of “Active Shooters” [1]. These ruthless and desperate assassins usually attack urban and poorly protected areas (lack of armed protection) that are densely populated [2]. Utilizing their strength, they realize that their plan is to maximize the number of casualties, without counting on the consequences of their actions. The basis of their action may be based on extremely radical views. Frequent outcomes for active shooters include suicide during an attack (90%) or the resolution of the threat by the authorities [3]. In response to the ever-increasing number of assassinations and the risk of such incidents in one’s immediate surroundings, comprehensive education should be widely spread. Thus, it is important to promote appropriate behaviour, rules of reaction during an attack by an armed assailant, as well as cooperation with incoming service personnel. Such actions will not only help one prevent, but also allow one to prepare for such incidences.
Abstract
Recent terrorist attacks in the United States, Canada and Western Europe have shown an increase in the incidence of “Active Shooters” [1]. These ruthless and desperate assassins usually attack urban and poorly protected areas (lack of armed protection) that are densely populated [2]. Utilizing their strength, they realize that their plan is to maximize the number of casualties, without counting on the consequences of their actions. The basis of their action may be based on extremely radical views. Frequent outcomes for active shooters include suicide during an attack (90%) or the resolution of the threat by the authorities [3]. In response to the ever-increasing number of assassinations and the risk of such incidents in one’s immediate surroundings, comprehensive education should be widely spread. Thus, it is important to promote appropriate behaviour, rules of reaction during an attack by an armed assailant, as well as cooperation with incoming service personnel. Such actions will not only help one prevent, but also allow one to prepare for such incidences.
Keywords
active shooter, terrorist attack, safety, tactical medicine, run, hide, fight
About this articleTitle
Active shooters — how close are they?
Journal
Disaster and Emergency Medicine Journal
Issue
Pages
69-73
Published online
2017-05-24
Page views
824
Article views/downloads
1163
DOI
10.5603/DEMJ.2017.0014
Bibliographic record
Disaster Emerg Med J 2017;2(2):69-73.
Keywords
active shooter
terrorist attack
safety
tactical medicine
run
hide
fight
Authors
Marek Dabrowski
Maciej Sip
Dariusz Rogozinski
Bogdan Serniak
Dawid Czarny
Tomasz Sanak
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