Preparing for and Preventing a Marauding Terrorist Attack (MTA): Taking Action

 

Preparing for and Preventing a Marauding Terrorist Attack (MTA): Taking Action

In an increasingly unpredictable world, marauding terrorist attacks (MTAs), whether involving knives, firearms, vehicles, or emerging technologies, remain a pressing issue. These incidents are deliberately fast-moving and violent, aiming to create chaos and inflict harm in a short period. While it is uncomfortable to address these scenarios, learning how to respond effectively could save lives. As the UK continues to grapple with such threats, understanding the safest course of action during an MTA is vital, especially when traditional self-defence measures such as firearms are not an option.

Does "Run, Hide, Tell" Work?

"Run, Hide, Tell" is the widely recommended procedure for civilians to follow during terrorist attacks. It provides a structured response to keep people as safe as possible:

1. Run: The first and safest course of action is to escape the immediate vicinity of the attack. Identify an exit route and leave quickly but calmly, encouraging others to follow if possible. Do not stop to collect belongings, as speed is critical to minimising exposure to the attacker.
2. Hide: If escaping is not feasible, find a secure hiding place. This could be a room with a lockable door or behind solid furniture. Turn off lights, silence phones, and avoid making noise to prevent drawing attention to yourself. Make every effort to barricade entry points for added safety.
3. Tell: Once you are in a safe location, tell emergency services (999 in the UK) and provide as much detail as possible about the situation. Information such as the attacker’s location, appearance, weapons, and the number of people affected can help responders take swift and effective action.

While "Run, Hide, Tell" is an effective guideline, it may not always be an option. If escape is blocked, hiding proves unsafe, or the attacker approaches your location, fighting might become necessary as a last resort.

Fighting Back: A Last Resort

In situations where "Run, Hide, Tell" is no longer viable, individuals may need to defend themselves to survive. Fighting back should always be considered a last resort and requires resourcefulness, focus, and determination to incapacitate the attacker and create opportunities to escape.

The mindset required to fight back in such dire circumstances is crucial. You must be prepared to act decisively, with unwavering determination. A phrase that encapsulates this mindset is: "Never fight until you have to. But when it's time to fight, you fight like you are the third monkey on the ramp to Noah’s Ark—and it’s starting to rain." This mindset emphasises the importance of committing fully to action when survival is at stake, ensuring that hesitation does not cost you your life.

In the UK, where firearms for self-defence are not an option, civilians must rely on their surroundings to protect themselves. Everyday items such as chairs, fire extinguishers, or heavy objects can serve as improvised weapons. In a struggle, aim for vulnerable areas of the attacker, such as the eyes, throat, or groin, to incapacitate them temporarily. Coordinating with others to collectively overpower the attacker can increase chances of success. The bravery shown in the 2019 London Bridge attack, where civilians used items like a narwhal tusk and a fire extinguisher to confront an armed attacker, demonstrates the effectiveness of quick thinking and resourcefulness.

Examples of Vehicle-Based Attacks

Vehicle-based attacks have become a common tactic for terrorists due to their accessibility and devastating impact. The 2016 Nice attack in France remains one of the most harrowing examples, where a 19-tonne truck was driven into a crowd celebrating Bastille Day, killing 86 people and injuring over 400. Similarly, the 2016 Berlin Christmas market attack involved a hijacked lorry ploughing into festive shoppers, resulting in 12 deaths and more than 50 injuries.

In the UK, vehicle attacks have also left a lasting impact. The 2017 Westminster attack saw a car driven into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, killing four and injuring dozens before the attacker fatally stabbed PC Keith Palmer outside Parliament. Later that year, the London Bridge and Borough Market attacks involved a van being driven into pedestrians, followed by attackers continuing their rampage on foot with knives. These incidents demonstrate the devastating effectiveness of vehicles as weapons in crowded public spaces.

Preparing for Future Threats

Terrorists are adapting their methods, and future MTAs may involve sophisticated technologies such as drones or cyberattacks combined with physical assaults. Lone actors inspired by extremist ideologies, as well as coordinated groups, remain significant threats. As these scenarios evolve, training programmes must adapt to address the changing nature of attacks and provide guidance tailored to contemporary challenges.

How Companies' Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) Are Affected

The threat of MTAs highlights the need for robust Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) in organisations. These plans ensure that businesses are prepared to respond effectively in the event of an attack, prioritising the safety of employees, customers, and critical infrastructure. To remain resilient in the face of such threats, companies must integrate comprehensive security and emergency preparedness measures into their BCPs.

Key elements of a robust BCP include thorough risk assessments, enhanced building security measures, and detailed evacuation or lockdown procedures. Additionally, ensuring staff are trained in protocols such as "Run, Hide, Tell" and are aware of self-defence strategies as a last resort equips them to act decisively during an attack. Regular communication drills and simulated scenarios provide organisations with the opportunity to test their plans and address any gaps in their response strategies.

The Role of Effective Testing in Preparedness

Testing and validation are crucial to the effectiveness of training and BCPs. Conducting practical drills, such as simulating an active shooter or vehicle attack scenario, allows employees to practise their roles and responsibilities under realistic conditions. These exercises can highlight weaknesses in communication systems, identify bottlenecks in evacuation processes, and help employees understand how to stay calm under pressure.

Tabletop exercises are another valuable tool, enabling crisis management teams to walk through hypothetical scenarios and refine their response strategies. For example, a tabletop exercise involving a vehicle attack might cover response coordination between security staff and emergency services, managing public panic, and ensuring critical operations can be restored quickly. Following these tests, conducting post-incident reviews ensures that lessons learned are incorporated into the plan, resulting in continuous improvement.

The Benefits of Proactive Preparedness

By implementing and regularly testing BCPs and training, organisations can better protect lives, minimise operational disruptions, and mitigate financial losses. Preparedness demonstrates a company’s commitment to its staff and stakeholders, enhancing morale and public trust. Compliance with initiatives like Martyn’s Law will soon become a legal obligation, but proactive planning also offers a tangible competitive advantage in showcasing a responsible and resilient organisation.

Preparedness is not just about ticking boxes—it is a strategic investment in the long-term sustainability of an organisation. Businesses with a tested and well-practised plan are more likely to recover quickly and effectively after a crisis, ensuring their operations and reputation remain intact.

Final Thoughts

The importance of knowing how to respond during a marauding terrorist attack cannot be overstated. Whether following the "Run, Hide, Tell" protocol, implementing effective testing strategies, or resorting to fighting back, having the knowledge and confidence to act decisively could save lives. Fighting back, when necessary, requires not only resourcefulness but also a resilient and determined mindset that focuses on survival above all else.

For organisations, integrating these principles into Business Continuity Plans and rigorously testing them ensures they are prepared to protect their employees and customers while sustaining operations and recovering swiftly from crises. With evolving threats, society and organisations must prioritise awareness, education, and preparedness to minimise vulnerabilities and maximise safety. Together, we can build a safer and more secure future.

If you’d like further insights into specific training programmes, effective BCP testing methods, or crisis management strategies, let me know—I’m here to help!

Andre Regan

Management Solutions & Training Ltd

 

For more information and advice contact Management Solutions and Training Ltd

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