I got up early this morning, 4am to the Orlando news. Some of this stuff has been on my mind for some time.
I know that many of us have talked in passing, or actively about the changing of our American day to day life. We as "tuned in" folks have seen this coming for years. It is now undeniable that it is here and will become a part of our life, as it is in much of the Middle East, Southeast Asia, etc.
I have been analyzing my movement, attention, and defensive tactics, and response playbook to these what ifs. I don't have much of a point to this post, more of an objective to open a conversation.
Two things that are on the top of my mind. How do we prepare? How do we stay free, encourage our way of life and still protect our loved ones?
For you trainers out there... Have you thought about changing your course work? Do you have course work for such event? Topics that would be interesting to me as a civilian:
- Threat identification in a chaotic environment
- Communication with authorities and loved ones during an active shooter situation
- Triage and stabilization of multiple casualties until first response
- Multiple active shooter environments - how to barricade, hide, defend or contain
- Use of force in a crowded environment
How have you changed your day to day in the last few years? In just the past few years I have done the following as a direct realization to the possibility that this might be a situation that may happen:
- I now keep a tourniquet nearby at most times, even traveling for work.
- I have increase the fist aid kit in my truck to handle multiple wounds.
- I keep two tourniquets in my truck at all times
- I keep (2) gallons of water and (5) gallons of fuel in my truck at all times
- In large group environments I am more diligent about my entrances and exits
- I have started to identify "emergency plans" in group situations. Nothing major, just in my head. (exits are xxxx.... cover or hiding is xxx... group should meet xxx if separated, etc.)
- I have started to explore the idea of keeping a long gun secured in my truck. However this can be its own discussion on pros and cons.
What are your thoughts?