What is the recommended approach regarding communication with callers during a shooting?

Keeping communication clear and direct is essential in a chaotic and high-stress environment like an active shooter situation. Clear communication helps to ensure that critical information is conveyed quickly and understood without confusion. This can involve providing the caller with specific instructions or gathering vital information about their location and the situation at hand. Clarity prevents misunderstandings that could lead to delays in response or ineffective actions taken by those involved.

In contrast, advising individuals to text instead of calling may not be effective in urgent scenarios where immediate verbal communication is crucial. Encouraging individuals to shout for help could inadvertently reveal their position to the shooter, putting them at greater risk. Instructing them to stay silent until help arrives may prevent them from communicating valuable information that could assist responding authorities. Therefore, maintaining clear and direct communication fosters a better understanding of the situation and enhances emergency responders' ability to act effectively.