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[emelbe]

Select quotes from the active shooter trainings I participated in as a victim role player.

1. So, did you just know that if you opened your mouth that sound would come out? Because that’s really impressive. —one of the other role players

2. That gets the blood flowing! —one of the law enforcement officers participating in the training, re: my screams

3. That’s… haha… that’s great. All black and gray, boots, scary mask, tough walk, and a delicate pastel scarf. Ha! —one of the other role players on the amusing visual discordance of my ensemble

They were great and I plan on doing more. One thing I learned that I feel I should share: If you are ever in a situation like this, do not assume the responders will know you're not the bad guy. Even knowing it was a training scenario, even knowing no one had real weapons the "victims" still got lit up on a regular basis. Not every responder has had this sort of training and, even if they have, their adrenaline and cortisol levels are going to be elevated too, probably even higher than yours. Worry about the shooter, yeah. But watch yourself around the responders, too.