The pictures that are being shared online of the crime scene following a school shooting in Florida have been met with outrage and disbelief. Some people are calling for stricter gun laws, while others are asking why the media is sharing these images.
What to do if you’re a victim of school shooting
If you’re a victim of a school shooting, the first thing you need to do is stay calm. Remember that this is an abnormal and traumatic experience, and it’s important not to react in an uncontrolled way.
If you’re injured, the first thing you need to do is seek medical attention. Try to remember any prescribed medications or treatments that you may have been given in the event of an emergency.
If there are other people in the area who have been injured, try to help them as best you can. If there is someone who appears to be in charge, ask them for instructions.
Remember that you are not alone in this situation, and there are people who care about you. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
What to do if you’re a witness to a school shooting
If you are a witness to a school shooting, the first and most important thing to do is to get away from the scene. If you can, find a secure location where you can speak with law enforcement or emergency personnel. You should also remove any physical evidence of the shooting, such as clothing or weapons.
What to do if you’re in the area of a school shooting
If you’re in the area of a school shooting, the first thing you should do is take cover. If you’re indoors, try to hide under a desk or inside a closet. If you’re outside, try to stay low and out of sight. If there’s nowhere to hide and the shooter is coming towards you, try to fight back. If you can’t fight back, try to run away as fast as you can.
How to process a school shooting
If you are a law enforcement officer, emergency medical technician, or firefighter who responds to a school shooting, the first step is to secure the crime scene. This means securing any potential evidence and protecting witnesses. Here are four steps to help process a school shooting crime scene:
1. Assess the situation. Make sure you know what happened and who was involved. Take photos and video of the scene as it is now to document any changes that may occur during the investigation.
2. Collect evidence. Touch anything and everything imaginable to ensure no pieces of evidence are lost. Be sure to collect any guns, ammo, knives, or other potential weapons. Also collect any phone videos, social media posts, or written statements that could provide clues about the incident.
3. Protect victims and witnesses. If there are any victims present, try to keep them calm and protect them from trauma while you gather information from them. If there are any witnesses present, make sure they are safe and comfortable while they provide information about what happened. Try not to overwhelming them with questions; instead, let them lead the conversation.
4. Control the scene. Do whatever is necessary to keep the scene intact until detectives arrive to begin
How to protect yourself from school shootings
If you are worried about a school shooting happening in your neighborhood, there are some things you can do to protect yourself.
The first step is to be aware of your surroundings. If you see something suspicious, don’t hesitate to call the police. If you hear gunfire, head for the nearest exit.
If the shooter is inside a school building, try to find an exit that isn’t near classrooms. If there isn’t an exit available, try to barricade yourself inside a room or closet.
If you are outside of a school building and the shooter is approaching, try to get as far away from the building as possible. If there is nowhere to run, lie on the ground and put your arms over your head.
Remember: if you see anything suspicious, don’t hesitate to call the police or get out of the area.