Active Shooter Training at BHSU

At Baptist Health Sciences University campus safety is a top priority. On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, faculty, staff, and students participated in an Active Shooter Training session led by Michael Rawlings, System Director of Safety and Security at Baptist. The training focused on emergency response strategies, including Run, Hide, Fight and Avoid, Deny, Defend methods to prepare participants in the event of an active shooter situation.

BHSU’s Approach to Campus Safety

According to James Knox, Sr. Director of Safety and Organizational Compliance, BHSU takes a proactive stance on campus security: 

“Our approach to campus safety is first prioritized and invested through our leadership. BHSU has invested in technology and resources, including an upgraded video surveillance and access control system. Our campus safety and security team are passionate and always looking to provide information and training opportunities. Simply put, your safety matters here at BHSU.”

Key Takeaways from Training

Rhonda Johnson, Chief of Security at BHSU, shared how these training sessions equip individuals with essential skills for emergency situations:

“Active Shooter training equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively during critical incidents, potentially saving lives by teaching them how to recognize warning signs, react quickly to gunfire, and make life-saving decisions in a high-stress situations. By being prepared and trained to respond effectively, lives can be saved, injuries minimized, and chaos reduced during an active shooter situation.” 

Key takeaways from the training include:

• Communication: Clear, effective communication with law enforcement and others is important.
• Run, Hide, Fight: Know when to escape, when to hide, and when to defend yourself as a last resort.
• Situational Awareness: Always be aware of your surroundings, recognize potential threats, and act decisively.

Essential Safety Tips for the BHSU Community

Knox and Johnson highlighted three key safety practices every student, faculty, and staff member should follow:

1. Report Suspicious Activity: “See something, say something.” Being vigilant helps keep the community safe.
2. Stay Aware & Proactive: Practice situational awareness, secure personal belongings, and use safety services like escorts when needed.
3. Know Your Resources: Save campus security contact information, utilize emergency phones, and stay informed through platforms like Omnilert.

How BHSU Keeps the Community Informed

BHSU has multiple strategies to help students and staff be well-informed about safety procedures including:

• Omnilert app for emergency alerts.
• Emergency phones across campus.
• Safety and Security Booklets with important guidelines.
• Regular emergency drills to practice response strategies.
• Shuttle Service for safe transportation.

Run, Hide, Fight: Emergency Guidelines

In the event of an active shooter, BHSU encourages the following response framework:

Run (Avoid)

• Leave your belongings behind.
• Help others escape, if possible.
• Evacuate regardless of others who choose to hide.
• Warn/prevent individuals from entering.
• Do not attempt to move wounded people.
• Keep your hands visible.
• Follow police instructions.
• Call 911 when safe.

Hide (Deny)

• Find a hiding spot out of the shooter’s view.
• Lock doors and secure them with furniture if possible.
• Silence phones and remain quiet.
• When safe, provide law enforcement with shooter location details.

Fight (Defend) – Last Resort

• Act aggressively and use improvised weapons.
• Work together to incapacitate the shooter.
• Fully commit to your defensive actions.

BHSU remains committed to fostering a safe learning environment through continuous investment in security measures, training programs, and community awareness initiatives. As Knox and Johnson stress, safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone plays a role in keeping the campus secure.