When Everything Goes Wrong

The Ohio State University Attack

An OSU student, Abdul Razak Ali Artan drove a car into a group of people and then proceeded to get out and stab them. Our prayers and condolences go out to the individuals effected by this Ohio State University attack.

SO, a recap:

* Subject drives vehicle into a crowd

* Gets out of vehicle, proceeds to stab as many as he can

* Cop shows up, shoots dirt bag

While (thankfully) our nations warning of a possible Macy's Parade terrorist attack didn't prove true, this took place shortly after.

The man who plowed car into a crowd at Ohio State University before stabbing several pedestrians with a butcher knife on Monday is said to have referred to American-born Al Qaeda cleric Anwar al-Awlaki as a “hero” on his social media accounts.

Source: 'Stop interfering with other countries': OSU attacker slammed US over treatment of Muslims on Facebook

A Look at the Event

As this is an after action report, we'll direct you to your favorite news feed for the specifics. What we currently know is this:

* Abdul Razak Ali Artan had made previous social media statements and threats against the United States

* The subject used time tested and recently encouraged terrorism tactics in his attack

* The standard "run, hide, fight" warning was issued and a shelter in place order was given

* Ohio State University Police Officer Alan Horujko was in the immediate area and was able to respond in under a minute

How do we respond from here

Although solid standard procedures were set in place, there are a few things we need to look at. We never want anyone to become a victem of an event like this. Run, hide, fight needs an awareness message and adaptive focus added to it. There is no one size fits all situation or scenario.

It is especially relevant that some people had a plan. CNN reported tweets of classrooms where either current or former military members took charge during the shelter in place. They reportedly moved their fellow students to the center of the rooms and guarded the door to deal with whatever assailent or attecker appeared. This is a great example of an adaptive plan.

Furthermore, Officer Horujko was in the right place at the right time. Without this absolute windfall, this attack could have been much worse for all involved. Good job sir.

The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun. Or a car and a knife.. -Adapted quote

Keeping You and Yours Safe in Uncertain Times

We at Full Circle Systems what you to be able to go home at the end of your day. While there are no absolute guarantees in life, we offer training to you and your organization to give your people the very best opportunity to go home. If you would like to discuss our training formats to understand your options, please click here to contact us.

The Thanksgiving terrorist threat is real. Serving up a little turkey, dressing and ISIS to you in this episode.

This country we live in, the good ol US of A! Nothing is more American than Thanksgiving, football, and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year, just to make things really special, ISIS has issued a broad terrorism warning. This is from an article that ISIS used to encourage and teach their followers.

The new ISIS article offers a guide to inflicting maximum casualties using trucks, accompanied by a picture of the Macy's parade with a caption identifying it as an especially rich target for terrorists.

How ISIS works and how they want you to react

ISIS, as well as terrorist groups in general, are not very original. They tend to be blatant copy cats in their tactics. With good reason. Being a copy cat works for them. Allow me to explain.

Terrorist groups have always used the copy cat approach. Why is that you ask? Well, as we stated above, it works. More on this in a minute. Another reason is that the individuals that they are encouraging to pull these attacks off are their base line operatives. Think opposite of elite here.

The reason that this works is that until a style of attack is proven to be faulty (meaning it is successfully stopped) they promote repeating it. For example:

* Suicide bombings are still used (with great success).

* Pipe bombs and pressure cooker bombs have been recently and effectively used.

* Big trucks carrying explosives or just driven into large crowds of people.

You get the point. Not a lot of high level training, planning or thinking is involved for individuals to use any of these tactics.

Simple works.

They want you to be scared. Out of your mind that is. That is what makes them terrorists by the way. They intend to foment terror, on the largest scale by the simplest means. They would like to see America driven to its knees and brought to ruin from our people scared out of their minds.

And no eating turkey. Or gravy, can't leave that out!

Source: ISIS singles out Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade as 'excellent' attack target

How We want You to React to the Thanksgiving Terrorist Threat

How should you react to this? Be alert. Pay attention to your surroundings. Look for things like someone shoving a backpack into a garbage can or mailbox. This is not normal behavior. Alert police and get people away from there.

Look for maniacal people driving really big trucks into crowds. Warn others, and offer help when you can. Pay attention to your surroundings. Pay attention to your gut instincts. If you follow this show, you should be paying attention anyway, right?

Don't let this threat ruin your day.

We want you to eat turkey and gravy. Everything else on the table as well. We want you to enjoy this uniquely American holiday with your family and friends. Watch the parade, football, your kids play and take a nap.

Oh yeah, something else. Thank a cop, firefighter, first responder or a nurse. Many of them are working on this day to keep you and yours self and serve your community. They miss their family, football and nap to.

Give thanks. We have so much to be thankful for, make sure you include remembrance as part of your day.

"This is not something that just occurred to us over the weekend," Miller said at a news conference. "Bottom line: Come to the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Have a good time. Bring the family."

Maturity is ultimately measured by looking at someones attitude towards helping others..  This is especially true regarding a personal protection plan. Helping others in your life is where you gravitate toward as you mature in your own process.

First you must understand that you need a plan. After that you go through the process of working out the fundamentals in your daily life. Once these thing become habit, you can turn your attention to the people in your life.

Why?

Because it's not all about you

Listen, I'm sure you are great. As great as you may be, that isn't why I want you to have a personal protection plan. Helping others is why. And to be clear, I'm not only talking about your friends and family. This is a given. I need you to help me change our culture.

* People in general are distracted.

* Distraction causes apathy.

* Apathy ultimately takes lives.

I want to assure you that your life completely counts. While your life does matter, you deciding and being able to help others matters even more. Would you be able to help a complete stranger? Could you ever see the possibility of it?

I simply want you to practice awareness and security, and begin looking beyond yourself. If you begin doing this, you can make a huge impact.

* By practicing your own awareness, you can affect your friends and family.

* Recognizing others needs can impact your local community.

* If you can teach someone else to raise their own awareness you can change the world.

With so many people distraught over current events, lead them to change yourself. Show those you can how helping others begins by changing yourself.

May you live in interesting times. - Ancient Chinese Curse

Today we bring you some practical post election security tips, and also practical things you can do at any time. Personal security begins with mindset, but only takes place when put into practice!

With the election just behind us, emotions are still high. Rioting and assaults have been reported all around our nation. With a focus on keeping you and yours safe, regardless of your politics, let's look at some practical post election security tips that you can quickly implement.

Social Media Security

With almost everyone on social media these days, it is always a good time to discuss best practices for personal security while online. We all (should) know about using passwords on your devices. In the same light, those free online games are widely recognized as ways to get your personal information a.k.a phishing (right)? There are many directions you can discuss online security, but let's focus on your personal life today, okay?

* Don't put out overt political statements to a broad audience. Listen, talking politics with friends is one thing. don't give those you barely know (or not at all) information or fuel to use against you. You never know where others may stand, or what may trigger their response.

* You should never post where you live online. Try to keep in mind the need to know basis. If someone doesn't need to know, don't let them.

* Personal pictures can be a problem. I know, we ARE talking about social media, right? Pictures of your children, family and friends are what it is all about. You can check your security preferences. If your security is set on public, or "friends of friends" change it. Only friends (preferably those you actually know) and family should have access.

* Although it is fun to let people know you are going on a trip, try waiting until after you get home.

Stupid Things with Stupid People

While that protest may sound fun, be careful of the situations you put yourself in. I am also talking about other situations than protests. You are going to have to do a bit of personal introspection here.

* How well do you know the people you are around? Although this seems like a common sense issue to many, sometimes you can find yourself in an unfamiliar crowd. Pay attention to your Spidey Sense.

* We all have that "one" friend. You know, the one that can't keep their mouth shut, who gets very pushy, and possibly likes to pick a fight. Seriously consider the consequences of surrounding yourself with this kind of person.

* Is the situation you are in getting out of control? Pay attention to what is actually happening around you. Are people angry, beginning to destroy property, attacking others physically? If so, remove yourself quickly!

Your Daily Life

Our everyday life is really where security needs to be put into practice. Although life for many of us has very few bumps along the road, you can never predict when "something" will happen. Usually it comes at the least expected moment.

* Get in the habit of looking around. Before you leave your home. When you are going into a store. Approaching your car or transportation. Awareness is the number one habit.

* Lock your car, your home, and important places. We no longer live in a world where you can just leave your door unlocked and unguarded. Lock doors even when you are home.

* Put your valuables out of sight. As the old saying goes, out of sight, out of mind. Cell phones in your car? Put it away. Expensive tools outside? store them safely. Think about what you have in view of the public.

* When walking in public, walk confidently.

Cal/OSHA has implemented a substantial change in policy and new regulations for healthcare settings. This has been assisted by nurses unions and is looking to be adopted by other states and organizations as a model program.

The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (OSHSB) today voted unanimously to approve nation-leading regulations to prevent workplace violence in healthcare settings.

Source: Nurses Celebrate California’s New Regulations to Prevent Workplace Violence in Healthcare Settings | National Nurses United

This affects healthcare in several ways, and will have long lasting effects on the industry as a whole. Some of the possible results that can be foreseen are:

* Employee/patient  safety gets serious

* Revamping of policy and procedures

* new training requirements

* access systems and communications

* liability and replacement outlines

* Legal liability at every event of violence

* Non-compliance triggers funding and payment reimbursement delays/forfeits payment

* Liability for system if staff not trained

* Families and patients endangered from events and resulting from improper/inadequate procedures in place

* Healthcare access becomes more structured

* safety procedures implemented for access

* visitation monitored and restricted

* cost per visit increases over time

And so much more. This will be an ongoing conversation from today into the future. Industry changes are coming, stemming from the rise in violence and resulting in policies that influence our daily lives. While this has been focused on healthcare, other industries will adopt similar templates to deal with workplace violence.

At FCS our goal is to protect you and yours in uncertain times. As we have stated previously, hospital/ healthcare related violence is steadily increasing. We do not want anyone to be fearful in their work or daily life. Informing you to events and possible consequences  allows you to thoughtfully engage in the conversation whether you are a healthcare worker or a patient. With up to date information, you can engage in your immediate and local outcomes that are affected by these rulings.

The real goal is to make sure you go home at the end of your day.

Prepared or Unprepared

The difference between being prepared or unprepared is vital to you. When it comes to awareness and personal security and protection, we don't think about that often. If at all. For most of us that live in a state of relative safety and security, this is a very good thing. It means that we don't have a fear of harm or injury in our daily lives.

The danger is that this reality makes most of us very complacent.

Understanding that bad things can and do happen help turn a complacent mind into a prepared mind. To better explain this, let's take a closer look at the differences of prepared or unprepared people. Remember, this is relating to awareness and security.

Unprepared

Unprepared people are the most vulnerable in hostile and violent situations. These individuals have generally never allowed themselves to consider taking responsibility for their own awareness and security. Besides, that is what the police are for, right? To keep it simple for this episode, we will look at the reaction of an unprepared person to this kind of situation:

* Unable to comprehend the event slows the reaction. The person has a very hard time with the thought that something bad is actually happening to them. This is a huge danger to them, those in their care, and possibly others around them.

* Freeze, flight or fight response. The unprepared and untrained (or poorly trained) person typically falls into one of these three responses. They do this without thinking, and by all three can be a danger to themselves or those around them. The react without thought to anyone else

* Inability to later contend with having gone through a bad situation. In other words, they tend to live as a victim and have difficulty getting back to normal.

While these are understandable reactions, they are many times unnecessary. By preparing yourself for the possibility of hostility and violence, you can avoid and overcome these responses.

Prepared

Being prepared as related to your Personal Security Plan means that you actually have one. A plan that is. If you know that bad things can and do happen, then they might happen to you. No one wants that. Real life events rarely announce themselves. When a person least expects it is usually when something takes place. With this in mind, here is a picture of prepared awareness and security:

* Acceptance of the situation. While everyone has a moment of alarm at an unannounced event, a prepared person can recover from this very quickly. This allows them to understand and accept the fact that the event is actually happening to them.

* Assess the event. What is happening? Where is it happening? Who is it happening to? What can you do, or what do you need to do? What items do you have around you that can help?

* Take Action. Deescalate, move, hide, fight if you can and you must. Help someone else if you can.  Depending on the situation or event, being prepared gives you at least a few options. Most of all, you are able to think and be proactive.

* Alert for help. If needed and you are able, alert the police, fire department, security, or others.

As you can see, a prepared mindset give you better options. It also allows you to consider situations and possibilities before they happen. This is not to make you live in fear or hide under your bed all day. This is to empower you to live confidently and be resilient in your life.

 

Awareness and Safety While Traveling

Many people travel as a part of their profession. Your personal safety is the top priority for anyone. Here is a basic awareness and safety checklist that has been made simple and actionable. Determine to make these practices habits, as these habits may save your life.

Other people go to conferences or have other travel assignments. The basic fact is that, when you are away from home, awareness and safety while traveling is essential.

Decide that your personal awareness and safety are your top priority. Making this conscious decision is the most important aspect of a Personal Protection Plan. We want you to go home safely at the end of your day.

When traveling

Tell as few people as possible your travel plans. Yes, family and good friends should be trusted, but everyone else needs to be on a “need to know” basis.  This includes social media posts/updates. 

Have an alternative explanation ready for the inevitable question of “so, what do you do” or “what is your business”. Think of something relatively boring that won’t invite deeper questions. On that note, try to know some information about your “alternative career” just in case you are pressed for more information. The real trick is to redirect the conversation to a different topic or politely end it.

When in an airport, boarding or deboarding a plane (this works with getting in or out of a car) put down your cell phone, magazine or book. Look around and be observant. Is anyone paying too much attention to you? If in a vehicle, is there another car seeming to follow you? This is not to invoke paranoia, but to pay attention.

Again, before you jump back on your phone or grab that magazine, are you in a place where it is secure enough to focus on that? Use your judgement, and asking the question to yourself is great awareness training in itself.

At your Hotel

Again, have your alternative career story at the ready. Think of that need to know basis.

Do not stay on either the ground floor or top floor if possible. The ground floor is too accessible to intruders and the top floor has limited movement options in an emergency.

When entering your room, keep the door open, and systematically check the closet, the bathroom, beneath the bed, and behind the curtains. Always have a defensive object at the ready (keys in your hand, book, an umbrella). If you feel the need, have hotel security escort you to your room.

Know where your exits are. Have an evacuation plan in mind at all times.

Always keep the light on in your room when you are not there, and keep the drapes pulled even when you aren’t there.

Keep a flashlight (fresh batteries?) next to your bed within reach.

Consider traveling with a motion alarm that can be put on your door knob. These are inexpensive (about $20.00) insurance.

Keep the “do not disturb” sign on your door, even when you aren’t there.

Never leave personal information or company material in your room.

If you ever feel threatened, call “911”. Again, your personal safety is of utmost importance.

We hope this simple list helps you think through your own Personal Protection Plan. If you ever have any questions or need clarification, feel free to email us at [email protected].

An Update on the Ben Taub Hospital Shooting

Photo Credit Associated Press

We promised an update on the Ben Taub Hospital Shooting. It turns out that I was mistaken about the role of the deputy that responded to the attack.  If you did not listen to the first episode dealing with this, you can listen by clicking here. My initial information was not clear so I assumed that the deputy was in the hospital also as hospital security.

Not so.

The hospital policy outlines that "security is the responsibility of the agency that brings the inmate to the hospital." The deputy was at the hospital on a detail that was not assigned to Hall. The update article is linked below.

A Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy shot 46-year-old, Ricky Lynn Hall, on the fifth floor or Ben Taub Hospital Thursday morning around 10 a.m.

Source: Digging deeper: Why was inmate involved in Ben Taub shooting left unsupervised? | khou.com

This still leaves us with questions.

* Where were the agency officers assigned to guard Hall

* Why was Hall unrestrained without guards present

* Why was the medical student in the room with an unrestrained inmate

*  Did the medical student have the correct and proper training to ready her for the situation

To be very clear, we are NOT in any way shape or form being accusatory toward Ben Taub Hospital. We also have the greatest sympathy towards the medical student for having this happen to her. Our purpose is to dig deeper and ask the tough questions in order to provide the best outcome for any future related events. An informed and aware people is an empowered and resilient people.

We are here to help you

We at Full Circle Systems would like to reach out to the medical student that was attacked and offer at our Awareness and Personal Security Training at no cost. At FCS it is our duty, obligation and responsibility to do our very best to ensure that each one of you go home safely at the end of your day.

Full Circle Systems is your single best resource for personal protection and crisis preparedness information. We are proud to provide media from When Everything Goes Wrong. If we can help you develop a personal protection plan, training, policies and procedures, please do not hesitate to contact us by clicking here.

Ben Taub Hospital Shooting

Credit abc13.com

An off duty deputy working at the Ben Taub Hospital in Houston Texas shot an inmate holding a medical student hostage. Full article linked below.

A deputy shot and wounded an inmate receiving care in Houston's Ben Taub Hospital Thursday morning after the patient obtained an 'edged weapon' and held it to a medical student's throat, according to a Houston Chronicle report.

Source: Deputy shoots inmate in Ben Taub Hospital who held med student hostage

* The inmate, Ricky Lynn Hall, was in the hospital for evaluation after having seizures. Mr. Hall seized a female medical student and help a "sharp edged object" to her neck.

* An off duty deputy working at the hospital heard the medical student screaming from the floor above.

* Mr. Hall said he would kill the student if the security guard didn't shoot him.

* The security guard shot him

So, this sounds like the inmate wanted "death by cop". The security guard (deputy) shot twice, at least got him once. Mr. Hall went through surgery and is reportedly still alive. Quite a few questions come up from this incident.

* Why was the medical student alone with an unrestrained inmate? Or, was she?

* Was any other security or persons in the room with her?

* How did the inmate get a "sharp edged object"?

More questions than this will surface. Hospital violence is on the rise. Do you know what policies and procedures your facility have? Are your security guards armed? Is the training provided adequate? Is the hospital staff comfortable with the training that is provided?

See, lots of questions. Violence exists. This is a fact. Instead of being reactionary to it, make a plan, implement the plan and practice the plan.

We do not rise to the occasion, we fall to our base level of training. Let's all learn from the Ben Taub Hospital shooting.

Stay safe.

Understanding and practicing an Awareness Mindset

We live in a world that is usually safe, but sometimes dangerous. An awareness mindset is the most important part of a Personal Protection Plan.

First, let's define:

Awareness- Being aware of one's surroundings and being able to identify potential threats and dangerous situations.

The practice of awareness is much more a mindset than a skill set. Anyone can implement an awareness mindset without formal training. What does it take?

* Know that threats exist. Ignorance or denial of threats ruins your ability to be able to recognize and avoid danger

* Understand that you are ultimately responsible for your own security. Law enforcement and security forces are REACTIONARY almost all of the time

* Trust your "gut". Your intuition is a very powerful asset and ally. Far too often people ignore that "gut feeling" that is telling them that something is wrong

In the end, having an awareness mindset that you are willing to take responsibility is the foundation of your safety and security. It is up to you to look our for yourself, your family, friends, coworkers and neighbors. Pass on what you learn and know. Begin making a conscious habit of being aware of what your "gut" is telling you and what is happening around you.

Do this even when you are distracted.

That is what will set you apart from being a victim to being a survivor.

Practical Tactics for an Awareness Mindset

* Put down your phone. Seriously, there is plenty of time when you aren't out and about to check Instagram updates and your friends on Snapchat.

* Get your head up and your eyes looking around.

* Think about what you are seeing. Is someone out of place or acting in a strange manner? What about that car that doesn't look like it belongs? Is you "gut" trying to tell you something (other than about the tacos you ate a half an hour ago)?

Make the decision, and start practicing an awareness mindset today!

When Everything Goes Wrong, sponsored by Full Circle Systems

Full Circle Systems is your single best resource for personal protection and crisis preparedness information. We are proud to provide media from When Everything Goes Wrong. If we can help you develop a personal protection plan, training, policies and procedures, please do not hesitate to contact us by clicking here.

It is our honor to be the industry leader in this field. It is our duty, obligation and responsibility to ensure that you and yours go home at the end of your day.