ASHI and MEDIC First Aid Blog

Many cities experience increased gun violence during the summer months. But the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest across the country has brought on additional surges in gun violence.

To date, there have been 389 mass shootings this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive (GVA). For comparison, here’s a summary of total mass shootings from previous years:

• 2020 – 611

• 2019 – 417

• 2018 – 336

• 2017 – 348

• 2016 – 382

Keep in mind that these figures reflect an entire year, whereas we’re only seven months into 2021.

With this increase in gun violence, it’s more important than ever to be prepared to respond during an active violence incident.

Places prone to active shooter incidents

An active shooter incident can happen anywhere. However, according to FBI statistics, from 2000 to 2019, 38% of active shooter incidents occurred in workplaces, 31% were in open spaces, 16% were at schools, 7% were at government facilities, 5% took place at houses of worship and 3% happened at residences.

Therefore, HSI’s Active Violence Emergency Response Training (AVERT) is designed to address vulnerable industries and workplaces where active shooter incidents and emergency bleeding situations often take place.

AVERT’s specialized training services prepares corporations, places of worship, government facilities, healthcare professionals, schools, entertainment venues and more to anticipate and respond to active violence incidents.

Help your workplace and communities stay safe with AVERT

AVERT empowers people to save lives by training organizations to anticipate potential danger, react quickly if active violence occurs, and become an immediate responder to life-threatening bleeding.

Active shooter and emergency bleeding control techniques are taught through realistic simulations and in-class practice. AVERT emphasizes training in:

• Warning signs and situational awareness

• Escape, evade, attack and active shooter response procedures

• Emergency bleeding control techniques

This hands-on style of training allows AVERT students to retain the information they learn and then make rapid survival decisions when needed.

Interested in becoming an AVERT Instructor or want to learn more about training for your organization? Learn about our AVERT Instructor Development Course.