Summary of "Emergency Readiness Series- Active Shooter Pt 1 of 3 The Center for Disability Empowerment"

Summary of Key Wellness Strategies, Self-Care Techniques, and Productivity Tips

Emergency Readiness Series - Active Shooter Pt 1 of 3 | The Center for Disability Empowerment

Key Strategies and Concepts

Focus on What’s Possible Shift mindset from limitations (“I can’t”) to possibilities (“I can”) through language awareness. Replace negations (can’t, won’t, shouldn’t) with affirmations to empower mental focus and training. Customize plans based on individual abilities, contexts, and resources rather than relying solely on generic group responses.
Concept-Based Training vs. Specific Training Learn broad concepts (e.g., “get away” instead of “run”) to adapt responses to various environments and personal abilities. This approach allows flexibility and personal adaptation, especially important for people with disabilities.
Individual vs. Group Response Begin planning with the assumption of no backup, no weapons, and no supplies to ensure readiness regardless of external support. Relying on others can limit options if they freeze, flee, or are incapacitated. Build a foundation of self-reliance, then layer in additional resources and support.
Mental and Emotional Preparation Inventory your feelings, thoughts, and physical sensations related to anxiety and fear about violent events. Awareness of these internal states helps regulate stress and improve decision-making under pressure. Mental/emotional readiness increases ability to execute physical plans effectively.
Three Practical Mental/Emotional Training Techniques:
1. Mindsetting: Practice scenario visualization and the “10-second game” (assessing exits, threats, resources in new environments).
2. Breath Work: Use controlled breathing techniques (e.g., box breathing with longer exhales) to regulate the nervous system and reduce panic.
3. Familiarization: Gradually expose yourself to elements of potential threats (e.g., firearms, medical care basics) to reduce fear of the unknown.
Preparation Before, During, and After an Event
- Before: Training (physical, mental, emotional), planning routes, communication with support people.
- During:
  - Get Away: Put distance between yourself and the threat using any means available (walking, wheeling, crawling, driving, breaking barriers).
  - Keep Away: Use concealment (out of sight and sound), cover (protection from harm), and barricading (locking/blocking doors) to slow or stop the threat.
  - Fight: Be prepared to defend yourself if necessary (covered in later sessions).
  - Medical Care & 911: Basic trauma care and communication with emergency responders (covered in future sessions).
- After: Medical care, interaction with responders, and understanding long-term effects (emotional, financial, legal).
Physical Fitness and Capability Train physical abilities relevant to your context to improve speed, strength, and endurance for escape or defense. Physical fitness also improves breathing and stress responses. For wheelchair users or those with mobility aids, practice maneuvering and adapting physical responses.
Strategic vs. Emotional Decision-Making Recognize that decisions in violent events often involve choosing between difficult options. Strategic thinking prioritizes survival likelihood, even if emotionally challenging (e.g., leaving others to escape). Avoid paralysis by indecision; action generally increases chances of survival.
Adaptability and Continuous Improvement Always ask “What makes sense now?” to adjust plans dynamically based on current conditions. Continuously optimize your training and response plans as situations and your abilities evolve.

Practical Tips & Methodologies

Language Awareness Identify and flip negative self-talk to positive affirmations (e.g., “I can fight back because I want to protect myself”). Use “because” to add motivation and purpose behind affirmations.
10-Second Game Upon entering any new environment, take 10 seconds to scan for exits, potential weapons, barricade points, and suspicious individuals.
What-If Game Mentally rehearse scenarios (e.g., “What if someone starts shooting here?”) to build mental blueprints for action.
Box Breathing Practice Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 6 seconds, hold for 4 seconds (or variations focusing on longer exhales). Practice daily and under controlled stress (e.g., cold showers) to improve nervous system regulation.
Familiarization Learn basic trauma care (e.g., stop the bleed), firearm handling basics (not to use but to understand), and threat recognition to reduce fear and increase confidence.
Planning Without Reliance Develop plans assuming no external help or weapons to ensure readiness in all scenarios. Add layers of resources and support once the foundation is solid.
Barricading Considerations Assess door material, locking mechanism, swing direction, presence of glass, and alternative exits. Use combination of concealment, cover, and barricading for best protection. Consider locking threats in confined areas if possible.
Physical Training Focus on strengthening and improving speed within your abilities (e.g., wheelchair maneuvering). Encourage fitness in support people to increase overall survival chances.

Presenters and Sources

Marley Sade – Project Manager, Center for Disability Empowerment, wheelchair user and host.
Aaron Gennetti – Owner/Operator of Endeavor Defense and Fitness, self-defense instructor with 12+ years experience in active shooter training and empowerment.
Jamie – Support staff assisting with Q&A and chat facilitation.

This session is the first of a three-part series, with upcoming presentations focusing on trauma care and fighting back in active shooter situations.