The Immediate Responder

Incidents like the attack on Ohio State University are likely to increase in the months and years ahead.  For quite some time now, jihadist organizations have been encouraging sympathizers to conduct simple attacks using easily obtainable weapons like vehicles, knives and even fire.  Such operations typically cause less damage than a bomb or small arms attack, but they are, conversely, more difficult to detect. After all, vehicles, knives and flammable materials are common items that do not invite scrutiny.  Beyond the ease of gathering weapons, a single terrorist doesn’t have to worry about co-conspirators who might make a mistake or have a change of heart and turn in their partners.   Given the relative ease of such attacks and the accompanying media attention, other groups, as well as, deranged individuals are likely to be inspired to action.   

It has been said that when seconds count the Police are minutes away. This is not a criticism of law enforcement; just an acknowledgement of the fact that the Police cannot be everywhere all the time. The same goes for Fire and EMS; a great deal of damage can be done prior to the arrival of first responders.

The fact is that you might one day find yourself in the midst of a critical incident. If that happens, it is important to realize that while first responders are en route, you are an immediate responder. 

If you professional training that’s great, but what if you don’t?  Can you do any of the following?

(1. ) Try to prevent the incident by being vigilant, recognizing JDLR (Just Don’t Look Right) situations and reporting them to the Police?

(2.) Help people escape to safety?

(3.) Apply basic first aid and CPR to victims?

(4.) Use a fire extinguisher?

(5.) Calm frightened people?

(6.) Provide detailed descriptions of an aggressor to the Police?

(7. ) Attempt to deescalate a tense situation with an aggressor?

(8.) Engage an aggressor with hands, improvised weapons or legally carried firearms?

While not everyone is meant to, or even has a desire to be a professional first responder, that doesn’t mean you can’t help in a critical incident. Take stock of you capabilities today, obtain some additional training and make a commitment to protect yourself, others and your community.