Eleven people were injured in an attack at Ohio State University early yesterday morning when a man deliberately drove over a curb and attacked a group of students.
The suspect injured 11 people with his car and a kitchen knife before being shot by OSU Police Officer Alan Horujko.
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All eleven were rushed to hospitals with one in critical condition. They are all expected to make a full recovery.
This has been the latest attacks on college campuses nationwide, prompting many with the question: Are we next?
The Colorado State University Police Department offers tips and training for just that reason. While the incident at OSU was did not involve a shooter, the principles of responding to violent situations remain the same.
CSUPD has contingency plans in the event of an emergency, and while details are not shared so as to prevent creating a public safety threat, a general plan can be found online at safety.colostate.edu.
Prior to police arriving on scene, there are ways for individuals in emergency situations to prevent loss of life.
During any type of emergency, it is important to watch for several variables, such as: how many attackers, the appearance and height of the attackers, and an exit strategy.
CSUPD also has a resource video for students, faculty and staff offered on their website which provides basic active shooter training that can be applied to a variety of situations.
The CSUPD advice is based on the “Run. Hide. Fight.” model that the Department of Homeland Security encourages universities to use.
The Run. Hide. Fight. Model:
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Run.
All individuals should be aware of their surroundings at all times and be able to make note of any exits they can use to leave the incident.
- If there is an escape route, use it.
- Help others escape if possible
- Prevents others from entering the area.
- Call 911 when you are safe to do so.
Hide.
If running is not an option, hide during an emergency situation. Take cover and remain out of sight. Hiding places should be out of view, provide protection and avoid restricting movement.
- Act quickly and quietly.
- Silence your phone
- Conceal yourself/ lock doors.
- Remain quiet and calm.
Fight.
As a last resort, when neither running or hide is an option, fight back and attempt to disarm the attacker.
- Attempt to incapacitate attacker.
- Improvise weapons.
- Commit to your actions.
This option should be used as a last resort situation, according to the Homeland Security video.
These types of events can evolve quickly, and it is important to remain calm and have an exit plan. Call 911 as soon as you can, and when they arrive, remember to follow their instructions, keep your hands visible at all times and avoid yelling.
When police arrive on scene, remember that their first priority is to stop the attacker, and medical help will arrive soon for the injured.
CSUPD provides active shooter training to groups, including student and employee groups. They do not offer training for individuals at this time.
CSUPD can generally schedule training with a few weeks of a request, and information is located on their website on how to do so.
Colorado State University also encourages its students faculty and staff to sign up for emergency text message alerts to stay informed throughout emergency situations.
Collegian reporter Tony Villalobos May can be reached online at news@collegian.com or on Twitter at @TonyTheGnarly.
