How the active shooter exercise goes: Preparation for the worst case scenarios
Recently, several police patrols and rescue services intervened at an elementary school in Rudolfov near České Budějovice. The police responded to a serious incident where a second-stage student threatened a teacher with a firearm. Thanks to regular training and readiness of the Integrated Emergency System units, which includes simulations of similar situations, the intervention was effective and handled without major complications.
The Czech Republic Police regularly conducts exercises aimed at active shooter scenarios, during which police officers train procedures leading to quick threat neutralization and minimization of loss of lives. The exercises take place in schools, shopping malls and other public buildings where similar incidents could occur.
Drills and Procedures
During exercises, the police practices various scenarios, including rapid entry into the building, identification of an effective path to eliminate the shooter and the evacuation of civilians. Training also includes crisis communication with staff and students so that they know how to react in case they find themselves in danger. An important part of the exercise is cooperation with the Integrated Rescue System units, including emergency medical services and firefighters, who contribute to the transport of the injured and providing first aid.
Response to the event at the school in Rudolf
The recent event at the school in Rudolf, where a 13-year-old student threatened his teacher and classmates with a firearm, a knife, and an axe, points to the importance of preparation for these situations. According to available information, the boy pointed at the teacher and pulled the trigger twice, but fortunately, he did not fire. The teacher reacted promptly and managed to pacify the student before the police arrived. This incident shows how crucial preparation and the ability of quick reaction on the part of teachers and school staff are. After the intervention, the police carried out safety measures and a psychological interventional team was called to the scene.
How to behave in the event of an active shooter attack?
Experts recommend the following procedures: if possible, immediately leave the area where the shooter is located, while it is best to move to the side and continue to run. If escape is not possible, find a safe hiding place, lock the doors, turn off the lights and set your mobile to silent mode. If you are in immediate danger, use objects around you for defense, such as chairs, fire extinguisher or books. If it is safe, call the emergency line 158 or 112. Active shooter drills are thus becoming an integral part of school and institution safety preparations. Thanks to them, both police and civilians are better able to respond to emergency situations and prevent tragedies.
Increased interest in training at schools
Schools are interested in training courses and exercises against active shooter attacks. Last year, there were a total of 92 individual and five group training sessions on the protection of soft targets at universities, while 245 individual training sessions and 110 group ones were held at elementary and secondary schools.
AMOK Training
AMOK trainings, which simulate an armed attacker's attack, are regularly held not only at schools but also in hospitals, authorities, and other vulnerable objects. These exercises are key to testing the readiness of all components of the integrated rescue system. According to the president of the Association of Primary School Principals, Luboš Zajíce, there is a large demand for these exercises at schools, especially after events such as the shooting at the Faculty of Philosophy of Charles University.
A year ago, the AMOK exercise also took place at the Elementary School in Rudolfov near České Budějovice. During a recent event, a student aimed a gun at his teacher, who however quickly disarmed him. This incident shows how important the readiness and training of teachers are, who know how to react in crisis situations.
Sources: policie.gov.cz, policie.gov.cz, dobrystudent.cz, seznamzpravy.cz
