The Psychology of Survival: 5 Mindset Tips for Active Shooter Response

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 It's the stuff of nightmares that would shake anyone to their core. 

Let's be real - the thought of being caught in an active shooter situation is absolutely terrifying. One minute you're just going about your normal routine, the next all hell breaks loose with gunshots and chaos erupting all around you.

But here's the thing - as traumatic and panic-inducing as these events are, you can significantly improve your chances of survival if your mind is in the right mode. Sure, your physical actions matter immensely, but just as critical is your psychological state and emotional control when bullets start flying.

Critical incident stress management, which encompasses strategies and techniques designed to help individuals cope with the psychological aftermath of traumatic events, is key. Having the proper mindset strategies hard-wired can truly mean the difference between life and death.

Tip 1: Remain Calm 

When shots first ring out, it's an understandable gut reaction to start freaking out. Your heart is pounding, breath is shaky, and your mind is racing. But giving in to that panicked frenzy will only cloud your judgment and decision-making ability. You must find a way to override that fear response and stay calm and level-headed.

Tip 2: Stay Hyper-Aware 

In an active shooter scenario, lives can be saved by being hyper-tuned into every detail around you - mapping exits, locating potential cover or barricades, scouting routes to safety or hiding spots. Having this situational awareness at all times is critical.

The key is training your brain to always be scoping out your environment and playing those "What if?" scenarios wherever you are. Mentally walk through emergency action plans and escape routes.

Tip 3: Be Decisive

Hesitation and wavering can be fatal mistakes when shots are fired. You need to commit 100% to a plan of evacuation, securing shelter, or incapacitating the threat (as an absolute last resort). Don't let doubt or uncertainty freeze you in your tracks.

Tip 4: Stay Flexible

Even the best-laid plans can get thrown out the window in these dynamic, rapidly-evolving situations. One second your exit is clear, the next it's blocked and you have to change course. Being able to adapt your strategy in the moment is vital. Don't let your mind get rigidly locked onto a singular plan of action. Stay fluid, calmly re-assessing threats and adjusting your approach as circumstances shift. 

Tip 5: Feed the Positive

When panic and fear start creeping in, shut it down. Spiraling into negative thoughts and self-doubt will sabotage your survival. Instead, feed your psychological strength:

  • Memorize empowering mantras: "I've got this," "I'm tougher"
  • Visualize yourself surviving and making it through
  • Speak affirmations of overcoming the situation
  • Focus on positive mental imagery that fuels resilience

Conclusion

In the end, while no amount of mental conditioning can ever truly prepare you for the unimaginable terror of an active shooter event, developing the proper psychological skill sets and mindsets can give you a better chance of making it out alive.

It's heavy stuff, but could literally mean survival. Specialists at Applied Behavioral Sciences Mental Health emphasize the importance of such preparation, offering guidance and support to enhance resilience and readiness in crisis situations.

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