While unpleasant to think about, gun violence is a real and present threat to our Colorado community. It can happen anywhere, from grocery stores to concert venues. However, we can’t allow fear to keep us at home and isolated from our community. Completing active violence training is one way to prepare for life-threatening situations and have peace of mind that you’ll know what to do in an emergency.
Pikes Peak Security strives to keep our community safe through high-quality security services and affordable safety training. Here are a few reasons we recommend taking an active violence training course:
Reason 1: Rates of Gun Violence and Workplace Violence are Increasing
In 2022, Colorado passed its record for the most people killed or injured in mass shootings. Over 80 people in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Aurora were victims of mass gun violence. Nationwide the numbers are even worse, with over 600 mass shooting incidents in 2022.
Additionally, OSHA estimates that around 2 million American workers are victims of workplace violence every year, which includes threats, assault, and homicide. Taking active violence training can help you stay safe during an attack.
Reason 2: Protect Yourself and Those Around You
Active violence training teaches you practical skills that will help keep your family and coworkers safe. You’ll learn how to identify potential threats, ways to de-escalate dangerous situations, and what to do in the event of an active shooting. According to the FBI, over two-thirds of active shooting incidents occur in 5 minutes or less. Therefore, knowing what steps to take before first responders arrive is essential.
Reason 3: Prevent Violence Before it Occurs
Often, an active violence situation begins with threats or warning signs that were overlooked. With training, you’ll learn how to recognize these indicators and report them to authorities. You’ll also be able to assess your environment for dangerous situations and stay aware of any changes that could signal an attack.
Reason 4: Learn Life-Saving First Aid Techniques
In addition to teaching you how to stay safe, a good active violence training program will also cover basic first aid techniques that can help save the lives of those who are injured. For example, you’ll learn how to control bleeding, give CPR, and use tourniquets. Knowing these lifesaving techniques can help increase your chances of survival in an emergency.
Reason 5: Violence Can Happen Anywhere
Active violence doesn’t discriminate. Attacks can occur in any setting, even when you least expect them. Taking active violence training will help you prepare for any situation that you may encounter and give you the confidence to stay safe.
According to OSHA, workers who deliver products or services to customers or work in small groups late at night are at a higher risk of workplace violence. So it’s crucial for people who work in bars, restaurants, retail, and event services to be prepared to protect themselves.
Reason 6: React Quickly and Appropriately in an Emergency
Active violence training teaches you the most effective ways to respond in an emergency. You’ll learn techniques to remain calm, think quickly on your feet, and make decisions that will help keep yourself and those around you safe. In addition, you’ll learn tactics like escape, evade, and attack and when to use them so you don’t waste valuable time wondering what to do.
Reason 7: Experience More Peace of Mind
Though we hope you’ll never have to use the skills learned in active violence training, you’ll have peace of mind that you’re prepared if an attack occurs. You’ll know precisely what steps to take to protect yourself and those around you. This will help reduce your stress levels and give you more confidence in handling dangerous situations.
Reason 8: Training is Easily Accessible
At Pikes Peak Security, we provide our active violence training materials in a hybrid format, so most of your training can be completed online. The classroom commitment is only 3-5 hours and can be completed over the weekend. If cost is a barrier for you, nominate yourself to take our class for free or contact our team to see how we can help.
Sign Up for AVERT with Pikes Peak Security
Pikes Peak Security offers Active Violence Emergency Response Training (AVERT), a program developed by the Health & Safety Institute for first responders. Now, this training is open to anyone who wants to be better prepared for an active violence situation. Pikes Peak Security is a certified AVERT training provider, and we’d love to see you in our next course.
In addition, through March 14, 2023, we’re giving away free seats in our AVERT course. So if you’d like to participate in this life-saving training for free, apply here.
