What is the very last action you should take in an active shooter situation?

In an active shooter situation, the very last action you should take is to fight back against the shooter. This response should only be considered when running or hiding is not an option, and the shooter is directly confronting you or others. The rationale behind this is that fighting may be a way to incapacitate the shooter and stop the threat when all other escape options have been exhausted.

Engaging with the shooter can create a diversion, allowing others the opportunity to escape. It is important to use any available resources as improvised weapons and to act in a group to overwhelm the shooter physically. This response underscores the principle that protecting lives is the primary goal in such a dire situation.

Running or hiding are strategies typically employed first to create distance from the shooter and avoid confrontation, while calling for help can provide additional support but may not directly address the immediate threat. Therefore, fighting is a last resort, intended for situations where survival is at stake and all other measures have failed.