Surviving Mass Victim Attacks: What to Do When the Unthinkable Happens

by Gary M. Jackson

We have all witnessed media reports of the aftermath of mass victim attacks. We see the carnage, and we know that attackers do not show mercy. Victims were innocent and were targeted simply for being a part of a small or large group of people. Whether a bomb, semi-automatic weapon, knife, or vehicle, the attacker strikes quickly and without mercy. Victims may have been dining in a restaurant, relaxing at a bar, participating in school classes, attending a workplace activity, or simply walking on the street. Because of the horrific and effective nature of such attacks, we are often left fearing that little to nothing can be done if the unthinkable happens, and we are caught in such a merciless attack.

Surviving Mass Victim Attacks presents specific and valuable strategies for survival if the unthinkable happens, and serves as a practical guide to anyone who wishes to be more knowledgeable and better prepared if caught in an attack themselves. Gary Jackson is a behavioral psychologist threat expert with operational experience who analyzes how victims have managed to survive past mass victim attacks committed by international terrorists, domestic terrorists, self-radicalized terrorists, those with mental health issues, and those driven by hate and bias to present strategies that anyone can use to increase their chances of survival if the unthinkable happen.

Throughout, different types of mass victim attackers, their methods, how and what they target, and how to use characteristics of the location to increase survival are addressed. The book uses real life examples to illustrate survival; the strategies presented are easily understood and do not require special skills to execute. By reading Surviving Mass Victim Attacks, you will be better able to know what to expect, how to prepare proactively, and how to respond in a way that will save your life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

224 pages, Paperback

Published December 31, 2019

Reviews

[Liz Sergent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this at the library and thought I would check it out. This book was very well written, its broken down into three parts, The top three things you can do to stay alive, Escape, Hide, Stay in Place or Attack the Attacker and How to set you up your personal protection plan.
This book was filled with a lot of information and yet it it got the point across with some memorable tips of what to do in when the unthinkable happens.

[Nancy Bandusky · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author explains steps to take in order to increase the chance of surviving a mass victim attack. He stresses the need to be aware of what is going on, the importance of knowing where exits are and situating oneself near them, to walk next to buildings and run perpendicular to a car attack, to leave an area based on others' evacuating behavior, to not confirm what the danger is but to escape, to stay in place if able when a bomb goes off to avoid being hurt from a second bomb further away, and to escape as soon as possible.
The information in the book is very interesting but the author is a bit repetitive, which made for a more tiresome read.

[Colleen Gowetski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super heavy, obviously, but lots of good and useful pragmatic information. The bottom line is to stay observant, but this book includes way more than just that.

I do wish the discussion of biological agents was more than just in the last half of the last chapter. It's something we hear about less and something I know I'm more distressed by because I don't know much. Regardless, what was there was comprehensive and good to know. Thank you, Gary!

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book with a bunch of actionable broad concepts. Get you thinking about how often something like this happens in everyday life (luckily, not to me yet). Provides some good ideas as to small things you can do everyday to help if it ever happens

[Charlos · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of information,and maybe book format is not the best fit for it. Would recommend skimming once then drilling in on topics that are a priority for you.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book, valuable information in regards to protecting your love ones and being aware of your surroundings.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish this book didn't need to be written. Gary Jackson has provided an essential resource for everyday people on what to do when in an active shooter situation. Highly recommended.

[blondeminion · Rating 1 out of 5]

There is so much unnecessary information you can't even skim it properly to find what you're interested in learning.