Active Shooter Lockdown (General Procedures

Create an environment that feels safe to share in if the person chooses to talk about aspects of an incident that has happened. Be careful not to force an issue. Keep “curious questions” for your own self-satisfaction in their appropriate place. A later time might be more beneficial to everyone. Don’t try to analyze the behaviors that may become apparent. Acceptance and support are the key elements of providing comfort. Be sensitive to the fact that pre-established routines sometimes help reorient the individual to prior functioning levels. Don’t be in too much of a hurry to make major schedule changes on someone else’s behalf. Another person’s physical presence, even though nothing may be said, can be comforting. Don’t be afraid of silence. Companionship can be experienced as a form of support when people are silent together. A sensitive touch, a caring embrace or someone to sit quietly beside may also be supportive as individuals sift through some of their own issues. Understand that each person’s trauma is individual. People experience it and cope with its aftermath in different ways. Respect this.

FACILITATING STATEMENTS

The following may represent some statements/questions, which may facilitate better communications or could be used in crisis interventions.

I really care about you. How can I help? It’s O.K. if you aren’t comfortable talking with me about the problems. Who can you talk to? You look really upset to me. Because I care about you, let me take you to talk to someone. Do you feel like crying? You seem to be hurting. Can you talk to me? I’m not sure what the look on your face means. Can you explain it to me? I’d really like to know what you’re thinking about now. You seem to be angry. Would you like to talk to someone about it?