Shield the Vulnerable: Untold Stories Prepared to ACTD: Active Threat and Active Shooter Response
In this episode of Shield the Vulnerable: Untold Stories, Dave shares the journey behind developing the ACTD model—Assess, Commit, Take Action, Debrief—a proactive, trauma-informed approach to protecting people and workplaces. He explains why the traditional “Run, Hide, Fight” model falls short, and how mindset and preparation save lives.
The Threats We Think We Know
Dave grew up seeing active threats as something distant—tragic headlines from somewhere else. But that changed as he worked with organizations of all kinds. Schools, hospitals, offices, and retail environments all shared one chilling reality: violence can happen anywhere, at any time. And most places were unprepared.
“It’s not just about shooters,” he explains. “It’s workplace violence. It’s erratic behavior. It’s threats that escalate before anyone steps in. And too often, people freeze—not because they’re weak, but because no one ever taught them how to think clearly and respond decisively.”
Dave grew up seeing active threats as something distant—tragic headlines from somewhere else. But that changed as he worked with organizations of all kinds. Schools, hospitals, offices, and retail environments all shared one chilling reality: violence can happen anywhere, at any time. And most places were unprepared.
“It’s not just about shooters,” he explains. “It’s workplace violence. It’s erratic behavior. It’s threats that escalate before anyone steps in. And too often, people freeze—not because they’re weak, but because no one ever taught them how to think clearly and respond decisively.”
The People Who Changed His Approach
Listening to survivors of workplace and school violence, Dave realized the training most employees received—if any—was reactive, outdated, and fear-driven. The popular Run, Hide, Fight approach told people what to do, but never trained them how to think in the chaos.
So he developed ACTD: Assess, Commit, Take Action, Debrief. Built with real people in mind—not just tactical professionals—the model empowers individuals to assess threats early, make decisions quickly, and recover afterwards. It helps employees build a habit of safety, not just a checklist.
The Reality Is Closer Than You Think
Active threats are not rare. They’ve happened in schools like Columbine and Virginia Tech, in workplaces like YouTube headquarters and Walmart, and in hospitals like Tulsa Medical Center. Most victims are ordinary people, caught off guard, waiting for someone else to lead.
And the numbers are sobering: 50% of active shooter incidents occur in retail spaces alone. “If you think it can’t happen here, you’re already behind,” Dave warns. “Preparedness isn’t about paranoia—it’s about giving people the confidence to act.”
Beyond the Moment
Dave also uncovered another missing link in traditional models: recovery. After an incident, employees are often left traumatized and unsupported. ACTD’s final phase, Debrief, ensures that organizations help their people process the event, mitigate long-term stress, and rebuild a safe culture.
“Survivors don’t just need training for the moment of crisis,” he says. “They need care and leadership after the fact. That’s what helps them heal and come back stronger.”
This Isn’t Just a Training—It’s a Culture Shift
Dave designed the ACTD model to fit seamlessly into any organization—schools, hospitals, retail chains, even families. His team uses a trauma-informed approach that removes fear and builds empowerment. Whether he’s teaching teachers, nurses, or office workers, the message is the same: anyone can lead through a crisis if given the right tools.
What Leaders and Communities Need to Know
– Violence can happen anywhere, at any time. Waiting until it happens is too late.
– Run, Hide, Fight is outdated and incomplete.
– Preparedness is about mindset as much as tactics.
– Recovery is just as important as response.
– Empowering ordinary people saves lives.
Conclusion
Dave Miller never set out to reinvent crisis response training. But like many of the survivors he’s worked with, once he saw the gaps, he couldn’t look away. The ACTD model is more than a training—it’s a philosophy of readiness and care, designed to protect people and strengthen organizations.
If you’ve ever assumed workplace violence or active shooters are someone else’s problem, this episode of Shield the Vulnerable: Untold Stories will challenge you to rethink—and to ask: Are we prepared to act?
To learn more or bring ACTD training to your organization, visit pursuitpathways.com or contact Dave directly at Dave@PursuitPathways.com.
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About Dave Miller
About Pursuit Pathways Inc.
The future of work demands more than checking a compliance box. It calls for protecting, empowering, and engaging the people who drive your success.
At Pursuit Pathways Inc., we don’t believe in outdated, fear-based training models. We deliver next-generation solutions to today’s biggest issues, transforming safety, wellness, and engagement into competitive advantages for your organization.
Using our ACTD™ Formula — Assess, Commit, Take Action, Debrief — we deliver training that goes beyond compliance. Our approach strengthens real-world readiness, enhances employee confidence, and builds resilient cultures where people feel protected, valued, and inspired to perform at their highest level.
Because when employees feel safe, they don’t just stay — they lead, innovate, and build the future alongside you.
What We Specialize In
- Active Threat / Active Shooter Response
- Workplace Violence Prevention
- Human Trafficking Awareness and Exploitation Prevention
- Organizational Resilience and Wellness Strategy
When employees feel safe, valued, and empowered, they don’t just survive change — they accelerate it.
We work with forward-focused organizations that understand:
- ✅ People-first is not a slogan — it’s a strategy.
- ✅ Safety and wellness are foundations of innovation and retention.
- ✅ Training is not a checkbox — it’s a catalyst.
About Me
As the Founder of Pursuit Pathways Inc., I bring over two decades of expertise in business, tactical operations, and human trafficking investigations. Our solutions are forged from real-world experience and driven by a relentless belief in the power of safe, thriving workplaces.
Our Vision
A world free from harm, where organizations lead the way in protecting and empowering every life they touch.
Your future workplace isn’t built by chance. It’s built by choice. Let’s build it together.