When a terrorist incident occurs it is natural for the first responders and law enforcement personnel to be consumed at the moment. They are trained to react to chaotic and terrifying situations. But, the importance of ensuring a proper and measured response is not lost in the chaos. In fact, such an experience can lead to long-term damage to a country’s psyche and the possibility of future attacks.
While there may be individuals who die during the attack, there is a far greater chance that lives will be saved. That’s why the key element in any effective response is being able to think clearly and remain calm. It may seem difficult to do during a chaotic time, but the longer you can calmly assess the critical factors that are causing the problem, the better your chance will be of making an effective course of action. It is also important to remember that the people you are confronting are going to be traumatized. That said, having a plan and knowing what to say will go a long way to helping them feel more comfortable and give you their undivided attention.
Most people who are confronted with a terror attack respond with haste and fear. This is understandable given the immediate danger and the possibility of death. Unfortunately, rushed decisions and fear have a tendency to compound the problem by adding to the anxiety. Trying to explain to the people involved what they should be thinking and feeling during this period will only add to their confusion and make the task even more difficult.
A proper assessment of the situation is the only way to ensure that everyone is able to participate in the actions leading up to the arrest of the perpetrator. The key here is communication. Communicating with the people in the immediate area is vital to ensure that all of their concerns are addressed and that they know how to proceed. Being sure that they know what to expect from authorities and how to communicate their fears and needs effectively will go a long way towards ensuring that the entire operation runs smoothly and is easier managed in the future.
In many cases, people are advised to remain calm and speak calmly to the police. However, if it becomes necessary to resort to violence, then being calm and speaking calmly to the policeman is not always a good idea. Remember that the policeman has a much different job to do than trying to diffuse a violent response or calming a child. In many instances, it would be better to consult a professional first in order to avoid unnecessary damage to property and injuries.
In many cases, people are advised to get a lawyer to assist them in situations of responding to terror. It is not uncommon for people to become confused when faced with violent action and not particularly sure what to do. A lawyer will be able to provide them with expert advice that could lessen the impact of any probable legal actions taken against them. Additionally, they will also be able to explain the legal aspects of the situation in layman’s terms that most people will be unable to do on their own.
Most people who respond to terror and other emergencies tend to be overburdened by their own emotions. It is not uncommon for the emotions of a person to override their common sense. There is nothing more detrimental to your well-being than getting caught up in the middle of an emergency while in a state of hyper-paranoia. It is far better to err on the side of caution than to become a victim of a crime due to your emotional state. If you know you cannot remain calm, it is advisable to get help from a professional before reacting to an emergency. While you may be able to make some rationalizations, later on, it is far better to err on the side of caution than to become a statistic.
Overall, the most important thing that you should remember in responding to terror is to remain calm and speak clearly with the authorities. Stay in a safe place until the officials arrive. In the event of an emergency, do not take chances and follow all of the guidelines outlined above. Following these tips will ensure that you are as safe as possible during and after an emergency.