What approach should be taken when one encounters a shooting crisis alone?

When encountering a shooting crisis alone, the approach of assessing and taking direct action if necessary is essential due to the urgent nature of the situation. In such incidents, time is often critical, and waiting for backup might leave individuals or others in immediate danger. By assessing the situation, an individual can determine the best course of action, whether that involves evacuating to a safe location, finding a defensive position, or potentially intervening if they are trained and it's safe to do so.

This proactive stance emphasizes the importance of situational awareness and quick decision-making, which can be crucial in saving lives. The ability to adapt to the circumstances at hand and take decisive action is fundamental in mitigating the events of an active shooter situation. While negotiating or monitoring from a distance may seem like viable options, they can often result in delays that put oneself or others at greater risk of harm.