Active Shooter Preparedness Resources
The following is a collection of resources pertaining to active shooter preparedness - some of which are specific to healthcare facilities:
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Hospitals & Healthcare Facilities
Security Awareness for Soft Targets & Crowded Places
Joint Commission | Preparing for Active Shooter Situations
Updated June 2021
Hospital Code Silver Planning Checklist
A clean and concise checklist for active threat planning brought to you by the California Hospital Association
FEMA | ED Considerations
A guide for Fire / Emergency Medical Services Department operational considerations and guide for active shooter and mass casualty incidents
United States Active Shooter Events Guide
In the wake of the tragic active shooter attack at Sandy Hook Elementary School police administrators created this guide to assist with training and equipment implications in U.S. Active Shooter events from 2000 to 2010.
Active Shooter Preparedness
Active shooter incidents are often unpredictable and evolve quickly. DHS aims to enhance preparedness through a "whole community" approach by providing products, tools, and resources to help you prepare for and respond to an active shooter incident.
Presentation | Active Shooters In the Hospital Environment
Presentation | Florida Hospital Association: Workplace Violence in Healthcare
Discussion Paper | Health and Medical Response to Active Shooter and Bombing Events
Virginia Department of Health
A list of resources for planners including exercise evaluation guides, plan templates and more.
Planning for Active Shooter Events
A list of resources specifically curated for the healthcare community addressing training, awareness, preparedness and much more.
Planning and Response to an Active Shooter: An Interagency Security Committee Policy and Best Practices Guide
Due to the nature of an active shooter event, this document contains guidance for all who might be involved, including law enforcement agencies, facility tenants, and the public. It contains a set of best practices and recommendations to assist with implementing the active shooter policy.
ACTIVE SHOOTER: How to Respond
This short, printable PDF is from the US Department of Homeland Security. It includes information on prevention of, staff training for, emergency planning for, response to, and recovery from an active shooter event.
Incorporating Active Shooter Incident Planning into Healthcare Facility Emergency Operations Plans
This comprehensive, 32 page guide was produced by DHHS, ASPR, DOJ, DHS, and FEMA. It covers all aspects of the emergency planning process for active shooter incidents and includes information on Threat Assessment Teams and HIPAA concerns.
Active Shooter Planning and Response in a Healthcare Setting
This 115-page guide is the most comprehensive document for active shooter planning and response in healthcare settings. If you can only read one document on this subject, this is the one to choose.
LTC Shots Fired Situation Manual
The SitMan for an LTC exercise was conducted in New Jersey in January of 2013. This is a great resource for thinking through an active shooter scenario. It would be valuable for planning a tabletop exercise or drill in a healthcare facility. The AAR from the exercise in 2013 is here.
Active Shooter Safety Guidelines
Healthcare campuses have many safeguards and work continuously to maintain a safe place for the internal and external public. However, active shooter incidents can never be completely prevented, and healthcare campuses are vulnerable. This document is being provided to assist in the development of strategies to mitigate and respond to an active shooter situation within a healthcare facility. The document comprises five parts: Pre-Incident Prevention and Preparation, Management During and Incident, Post Event Management, Safety Tips for Personnel, and Additional Resources.
St. Bernadine Medical Center Community Benefit Report & Plan
Sample Threat Policy
This document is a sample of a policy for an organization to utilize as a planning tool
Sample Lockdown Policy
This document is a sample of a policy for an organization to utilize as a planning tool
Active Shooter Response Plan Template
Emergency Action Plan Template # 1: Active Shooter
Emergency Action Plan Template #2: Active Shooter
Active Shooter Emergency Action Plan: This 90-minute dynamic video describes the fundamental concepts of developing an emergency action plan for an active shooter scenario. It guides viewers through important considerations of plan development by utilizing first-hand perspectives of survivors, first responders, and subject matter experts similar to the workshops.
Options for Consideration: (Replaces the previously available video.) This seven-minute video demonstrates possible actions individuals can take if confronted with an active shooter. It provides updated information that includes considerations for individuals with disabilities and the incorporation of technology into security practices.
Crisis Training Videos: a series of videos created by the MESH healthcare coalition specifically designed for healthcare professionals in preparing for active assailants. Are you prepared?
Healthcare Run, Hide, Fight Training Video
This 5-minute video produced by Ready Houston Coalition instructs healthcare staff on the Run, Hide, Fight protocol.
Medical Videos: designed to help raise awareness in emergency situations
IS-907: Active Shooter, What can you do
An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and other populated areas. All employees can help prevent and prepare for potential active shooter situations. This course provides guidance to individuals, including managers and employees, so that they can prepare to respond to an active shooter situation. This course is not written for law enforcement officers, but for non-law enforcement employees.
