We are often reminded about our vulnerability to violence as active shooter incidents in schools erupt far too regularly. While our schools should be a safe place for students and staff, the frequency of campuses becoming crime scenes has been increasing. Statistically, active shooter incidents in schools are rare, but our awareness of these disturbing trends could be subjecting our school community members to greater stress. Prolonged exposure to these stresses can have an impact on the mental health of your employees.
Training and preparation for the possibility of an active killer certainly saves lives. Participation in drills where people work or attend school is a key factor in gaining the situational awareness for responding effectively to a violent event. Both adults and children need to know what to do to best protect themselves, and district administrators must be clear on the steps necessary to save lives. In attempting to train people for active killer incidents, some schools and organizations have conducted realistic drills. While making training authentic improves preparation to some degree, drills that are too realistic can be extremely traumatizing. Those who have been through such realistic drills may be less prepared.
"Prolonged stresses can impact employees’ mental health."
Even lockdown drills without simulation of violence can create severe stresses for your staff both in dealing with the effects on the students in their charge as well as their own reactions. Participants in active killer preparations need to be carefully assessed for suitability to the training to be conducted, including emotional maturity, personal history, physical condition and other special needs. The drills are certainly a necessary part of your district’s preparations, but the resources to address aftercare can be needed following a drill, just as they would in an actual incident.
Whenever possible, involve your school psychologists or other mental health professionals in planning, assessment and assistance in identifying training participants who show signs of trauma during the drills. Following the completion of training, mental health support should be provided to anyone who needs aftercare.
For your staff members who may be suffering from chronic stress, encourage employees to seek help under your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or to utilize other benefits available to deal with their concerns about school violence. Though the chances of an incident at any specific campus may be small, the feelings that emerge about the possibility are very real.