Empower Your Team with AVERT Training

This year to date, there have been over 389 mass shootings in the United States. This statistic alone shows that workplace safety has become a chief concern for employers and employees. Businesses must equip their teams with the skills and knowledge necessary to respond effectively to emergencies. One powerful way to ensure your team is prepared for any event is by implementing AVERT (Active Violence Emergency Response Training) in the workplace. This comprehensive training program enhances safety and empowers employees to take control during critical moments. Rescue Training Institute will walk you through what AVERT training is and how it can benefit your workplace.

What is AVERT Training?

AVERT Training is designed to equip individuals with the skills needed to respond swiftly and effectively to a variety of emergency situations, including active shooter events, severe injuries, and other violent incidents. Unlike traditional safety training programs focusing on first aid or security measures, AVERT combines both to create a holistic approach to emergency preparedness.

The training typically covers two main components: active violence reaction and emergency bleeding control. 

• Active Violence Response

This portion of the training educates participants on recognizing potential threats, reacting quickly to violent situations, and taking appropriate actions to protect themselves and others.

• Emergency Bleeding Control

Severe bleeding is the leading cause of preventable death after a severe injury. AVERT includes instructions on how to stop the bleed, which includes three main steps:

1. Alert
   This step means calling medical emergency services immediately, locating a bleeding control kit, and assessing the person who is injured. 
2. Control Bleeding

In this step, you must decide how life-threatening the injury is. Where is the person injured? How much bleeding is taking place? How severe is it?

3. Compression
   Firm compression is the key to saving a severely injured person’s life when they are bleeding. For most injuries, place packing over the wound and apply firm pressure, continuing the pressure until the paramedics arrive. You can apply a tourniquet for a wound on an extremity (arms or legs); again, do not remove it until emergency help is on the scene.
   

Why AVERT Training is Essential for Your Workplace

Moments immediately following a workplace incident are critical. AVERT training equips employees with the confidence and skills to act quickly, potentially saving lives. Let’s take a look at why it is essential to incorporate AVERT into your workplace safety program.

1. Enhanced Safety Culture

One of the most significant benefits of AVERT training is the development of a proactive safety culture within the workplace. When trained to recognize and respond to potential threats, employees become more aware of their surroundings and are more likely to identify risks before they escalate. This heightened awareness contributes to a safer work environment overall, as employees feel more responsible for their own safety and the safety of others.

2. Immediate Response Capability

In an emergency, every second counts. The ability to respond immediately can make the difference between life and death. AVERT training ensures that employees are not only aware of the potential dangers but also know exactly what to do when an emergency occurs. This includes understanding how to effectively communicate with others, execute an evacuation, or even confront a threat if necessary. When employees are trained to act quickly and decisively, the overall response time is reduced, which can minimize the impact of the incident.

3. Empowered Employees

Empowerment is at the heart of AVERT training. When employees are equipped with the skills to handle emergencies, they feel more confident in their ability to protect themselves and their colleagues. This empowerment extends beyond the workplace, as the skills learned in AVERT training are applicable in various settings, including public spaces and at home. 

4. Improved Team Cohesion

AVERT training often involves group exercises that require employees to work together to solve problems and make decisions under pressure. These exercises not only improve individual skills but also foster teamwork and collaboration. In an emergency, effective communication and teamwork are crucial. AVERT training helps build trust and camaraderie among team members, ensuring that they can rely on each other when it matters most.

5. Compliance with Safety Regulations

Workplace safety training is not just recommended in many industries—it’s required. AVERT training can help your organization comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and other regulatory requirements. By implementing a comprehensive safety training program that includes active shooter response training, bleeding control, and other aspects of AVERT training, you can demonstrate your commitment to employee safety and avoid potential fines or legal issues.

6. Reduction of Workplace Violence Incidents

AVERT training provides employees with the tools to de-escalate potentially violent situations before they turn into full-blown incidents. By recognizing the warning signs of violence and knowing how to intervene safely, employees can prevent situations from escalating, thereby reducing the overall incidence of workplace violence.

How to Implement AVERT Training in Your Workplace

Integrating AVERT training into your workplace safety program is a straightforward process, but it requires commitment from both management and staff. Here are some steps to get started:

1. Assess Your Workplace Needs

Determine the specific risks and potential threats in your workplace. This will help tailor the AVERT training to your organization’s unique needs.

2. Partner with an AVERT Training Provider

Work with a provider like Rescue Training Institute to deliver AVERT training. We can customize the program to address the specific challenges your workplace may face.

3. Schedule Regular Training Sessions

Emergency preparedness is not a one-time event. Schedule regular AVERT training sessions to ensure that all employees, including new hires, are equipped with the necessary skills.

4. Conduct Drills and Simulations

Reinforce the training with regular drills and simulations. These exercises help employees practice their skills in a controlled environment, making them more effective during real emergencies.

5. Review and Update Safety Protocols

Continuously review and update your workplace safety protocols to incorporate the latest best practices and feedback from AVERT training sessions.

Rescue Training Institute’s AVERT Training

• Early Warning Signs of a potential active violence event
• Escape, Evade, and Attack techniques
• Situational Awareness
• Emergency Bleeding Control Techniques
• Respond quickly and confidently in an emergency
• Why your agency needs AVERT training

Investing in AVERT training is more than just a commitment to safety; it’s an investment in the well-being and empowerment of your employees. By providing your team with the tools and knowledge to respond effectively to emergencies, you create a safer, more resilient workplace. Empower your team with AVERT training from Rescue Training Institute and give them the confidence to protect themselves and their colleagues in any situation.