In an active shooter situation, what is the recommended first action if escape is possible?

In an active shooter situation, the recommended first action is to run if there is an opportunity to escape. This response emphasizes prioritizing personal safety by quickly removing oneself from the immediate threat.

Running serves as a proactive measure to distance oneself from danger, thereby increasing the chances of survival. It's important to move quickly, but also to remain aware of surroundings to avoid running into other threats or individuals who may exacerbate the situation.

While other actions such as hiding, fighting, or calling for help can be important depending on the circumstances, they typically should be considered only if escape is not possible. Hiding might be suitable when there’s no route to safety or if one cannot make noise without being discovered. Fighting should only be a last resort in life-threatening situations, and calling for help may be effective in alerting authorities but does not enhance immediate personal safety. Therefore, the emphasis on running first, when feasible, becomes clear in the context of maximizing survival in such critical scenarios.