The Importance of Active Shooter Drills in the Workplace

In today’s world, creating a safe workplace involves more than just routine fire drills and occasional safety checks. With workplace violence incidents on the rise, organizations have a responsibility to equip their staff members with the skills to respond effectively to an active shooter situation or other life-threatening emergency. Incorporating active shooter drills in the workplace through formal training is a critical preparedness step, helping employees build the skills and mindset needed to respond under pressure.

While the topic of active shooter training is understandably sensitive for many, taking proactive measures can foster a safer work environment — one where confidence and readiness replace fear and uncertainty.

Understanding the need for workplace preparedness

Active shooter incidents are unpredictable, evolve rapidly, and are often over in less than 15 minutes. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the number of active shooter incidents have increased 60% since 2019.

These critical situations are not confined to one type of setting. An active shooter incident can occur in office buildings, manufacturing facilities, hospitals, retail stores, and public spaces such as shopping centers, entertainment venues, and community parks.

Whether it’s a disgruntled former employee or an armed person targeting a populated area, staff members typically have little time to react. That’s why having a clearly defined emergency action plan — paired with regular active shooter drills and other training exercises — is essential to improving workplace safety.

The impact of active shooter drills

Active shooter preparedness drills serve multiple purposes, helping to turn instinctive fear into informed action. Practicing how to respond in a high-stress situation is especially important in workplace settings, where staff members may need to act quickly not only to protect themselves, but also to assist others.

Realistic active shooter drills help to:

• Build situational awareness. Training helps staff recognize potential threats and suspicious activity, allowing for early intervention.
• Improve decision-making under pressure. Active shooter drills teach individuals how to determine whether to seek a hiding place, attempt to escape, or confront the threat as a last resort.
• Act as an immediate responder. Incorporating bleeding control techniques empowers staff to provide critical care for injuries before professional help arrives.
• Prepare to interact with first responders. Understanding how to communicate and cooperate with emergency responders can expedite assistance and reduce confusion during a critical incident.

By simulating realistic scenarios, active shooter drills can help reduce panic, increase confidence, and equip employees to act decisively during a real emergency situation.

Why emergency bleeding training matters during active shooter drills

In the aftermath of violent events, immediate medical attention can mean the difference between life and death. A person with a severe injury can bleed to death in as little as three minutes, often well before first responders are able to arrive on scene.

Blood loss due to trauma remains one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States. In an active shooter event or other violent incident, quick action from bystanders can dramatically increase the chances of survival for injured individuals, especially in chaotic environments where professional medical help may be delayed.

By incorporating emergency bleeding control techniques — such as applying direct pressure, packing wounds, and using a tourniquet — into your organization’s active shooter drills, you can empower staff to act as immediate responders when every second counts.

Preparedness beyond the workplace

While workplace safety is usually the primary focus for active shooter response training, the reality is that violence can strike anywhere — at the grocery store, your child’s school, at a concert, or a place of worship. The skills learned in active violence response and bleeding control training are not just for the office. They’re practical, lifesaving tools for everyday situations.

Similar to CPR, AED, and First Aid training, active shooter drills in the workplace prepare individuals not only to protect themselves and their coworkers but also their family, friends, and community. Whether you’re at a crowded event or simply out running errands, knowing how to react in a crisis and how to help others can make all the difference in saving lives.

Many of the strategies taught in active shooter preparedness training are universally applicable. You may never need them on the job, but you’ll have the knowledge and confidence when it matters most.

Comprehensive active shooter training: What to look for

Not all safety training programs are created equal. To truly prepare your team for real-world emergencies, look for an active shooter training program that includes:

• Threat awareness training. Participants should learn how to recognize early warning signs and help foster a culture that encourages reporting concerns before they escalate.
• Active violence response strategies and bleeding control techniques. A well-rounded program teaches how to react in the moment — whether to run, hide, or fight — and how to administer lifesaving care with bleeding control training.
• Realistic, scenario-based drills. Full-scale exercises allow employees to practice their response in a controlled, immersive environment while building muscle memory and overall confidence.
• Emergency action planning. Comprehensive training guides organizations through developing or refining an emergency response plan tailored to their specific industry or setting. This includes identifying evacuation routes and establishing communication practices during an incident.
• Workplace safety assessments. Quality training should prompt a broader safety audit, ensuring that critical emergency equipment such as Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and bleeding control kits are accessible and properly stocked. Regular assessments can help identify potential vulnerabilities and areas for improvement before a crisis occurs.
• Customized training for various industries. Effective active shooter training programs are adaptable to meet the unique challenges of different workplace settings. For example, school districts must factor in protecting panicked young children versus healthcare staff who must ensure patient safety.

Active violence training shouldn’t just check a box. It should transform how your team thinks, reacts, and collaborates under pressure.

AVERT is for everyone

For organizations seeking a structured and effective approach to active shooter preparedness, HSI’s AVERT program is designed to safeguard employees and ensure a rapid, coordinated response during active violence incidents.

Developed by professionals with expertise in law enforcement, private security, and the medical field, AVERT offers:

• Dynamic training. Combining active shooter response with emergency bleeding control techniques, AVERT prepares participants to respond to a variety of active violence events.
• Hands-on experience. AVERT engages participants in realistic scenarios that simulate real-world emergencies. These practical active shooter drills include strategies to escape and evade, cover and conceal, and defend and attack when necessary. It also includes hands-on emergency bleeding control training to mitigate blood loss and save lives.
• Customized solutions. AVERT offers training tailored for all industries, including healthcare, education, corporate environments, and more.

By integrating AVERT into your organization’s safety protocols, you can empower your team to respond confidently and effectively during critical situations.

Request AVERT for your workplace or consider becoming an AVERT Instructor for your organization in as little as one day!