The first three steps for people exposed to a terror attack are fairly universal, run, hide, tell. These steps are also fairly simple to remember. But what if you’ve followed them and find yourself in a position where the threat to your safety and security is still there? Is run, hide, tell enough advice? Or are there other steps that can also be considered?

In most circumstances where a terror attack occurs, run, hide, and tell is applicable. Whether the attack is occurring on the beach, such as the attack in Sousse, Tunisia in June 2015, or later the same year in Paris, when coordinated attacks were conducted on the same night at the Stade de France, the Bataclan theatre, and numerous restaurants.

RUN – If you are in a location where you can hear or see gunfire or explosions, it is recommended to leave the area immediately using the safest route available. Stay near cover as much as possible, keeping low. Avoid using main entrances and exits, or running around blind corners. Encourage others to go with you, however do not delay leaving the area longer than necessary. Leave everything behind so that you are able to move quickly.

Recently, there has been an increase in vehicle attacks in Europe, such as in Nice, Berlin, Sweden, and London. These kinds of attacks may occur swiftly and are potentially less obvious when they start, particularly in large congested locations. In Nice on 14 July 2016, 86 people were killed and 434 injured on the Promenade des Anglais when a truck drove through the crowd. In Berlin on 19 December 2016, 12 people were killed and 56 injured in a similar attack. Situational awareness continues to be the primary key for people in unfamiliar environments.

HIDE – Dependent on circumstances, running away from the area may not be an option. The attack may have escalated quickly into a hostage situation for example.

Café-goers in Sydney, Australia suddenly found themselves being held hostage for almost 24 hours by Man Horan Monis in December 2014. The situation ended with a police raid and resulted in two persons killed, excluding the hostage-taker. The following month in January 2015, the Kouachi brothers, responsible for the gun attack on the Charlie Hebdo offices in Paris, were held up in an industrial warehouse near the Charles de Gaulle airport, as the police manhunt for them continued. Unbeknownst to them, Lilian Lepère, a graphics designer for the company, was hiding under the sink in a cupboard, sending text messages to the police. Ideal hiding locations are those which would provide suitable cover from gunfire, such as thick walls. It is important to note, being discovered hiding by the attacker could significantly increase the threat to life. Indeed, after Lepère’s hostage incident, he attempted to sue the French media for reporting a hostage was hiding at the location whilst he was still concealed. Persons in hiding should ensure their phone’s ring tones and vibrations are turned off to avoid inadvertently revealing their location.

TELL – The last step is to inform local emergency services, or alert someone else who is able to do that for you. Once assistance arrives, you should follow their instructions accordingly. This advice is acceptable in developed countries with efficient emergency response services.

However, as a traveller, who do you tell locally when visiting poorer countries, with significant terror threats, and they do not speak your language? There are a number of options for this. Prior to travelling, a threat and risk assessment should be done for such countries. A traveller may simply risk it and choose to inform their family or company via phone in the event on an incident. However, this can also prove insufficient for instances where an immediate response is required. There are a variety of travel-tracking options for travellers to high risk or vulnerable areas, from GPS devices to phone applications. These measures can facilitate quick informing of an incident, and provide the travellers exact location, as well as provide access to life-saving advice or physical assistance in country as needed.

Run, hide, tell, is good initial advice in the event of a terror attack. However, there are some additional options for travellers to consider if caught in an attack.

FIGHT – This is an additional step more commonly advised in the United States, and is somewhat of a last resort. The aim is to incapacitate the attacker by using physical aggression. If pursuing this action, it is important to commit to the fight, and if others are around, encourage them to join you. It is easy to provide this advice, but another thing to follow through with it altogether.

As an example, in August 2015, three American servicemen were applauded internationally when they physically apprehended Mohammed Mera, who was wielding firearms and a sharp blade on a train en route to Paris from Amsterdam. The terror attack in London on 3 June 2017, saw the bravery of an off-duty police officer who physically confronted the attackers and was severely injured in the process. It cannot be ignored that in both instances, the men who fought the attackers had some form of training. However, in the event a hiding location is discovered, or there is no available exit, a person has to be prepared for the worst, and not fighting back could prove equally fatal.

TREAT – For potentially fatal wounds, the earlier a victim is treated, the greater the likelihood they will survive the incident. This can be particularly challenging in situations such as terror attacks in the UK, where armed police must first prioritise neutralising the threat. In these scenarios, paramedics are only permitted on the scene after the area has been secured by police, which can significantly delay professional medical help for those in urgent need.

Training exercises have shown that it may take up to 100 minutes for paramedics to be allowed onto a scene following a large-scale terror attack. However, the critical window for treating severe injuries is often within the first five minutes. In light of these delays, civilians already present at the scene sometimes step in to assist the injured. This has been the case in numerous London attacks this year, where passersby have provided immediate aid, such as during the vehicle attacks on the London and Westminster bridges.

A notable example of civilian bravery was UK MP Tobias Ellwood, who was praised for his efforts during the April 2017 Westminster Palace attack. Ellwood provided mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and applied pressure to the wounds of a severely injured police officer, although tragically, the officer had already lost too much blood. While not everyone has first aid training, simple actions like stopping excessive bleeding can still be crucial while waiting for emergency services. To aid in these efforts, CitizenAid has developed a free app that offers medical guidance on how to assist casualties who may be bleeding, unconscious, or not breathing.

However, while the impulse to rush to assist is commendable, one must also consider the ongoing threat, such as the possibility of secondary explosive devices or suicide bombers remaining in the area. The “fight and treat” steps, while potentially controversial, warrant consideration given the variety of terror attack methods globally, including everything from improvised explosive devices and gun assaults to vehicle rammings and knife attacks.

The existing “Run, Hide, Tell” strategy is simple and easy to remember, but “Fight and Treat” introduces additional risks in scenarios where the threat to life is already imminent. It is crucial to be mindful that all five steps—run, hide, tell, fight, and treat—carry inherent risks.

Headlines From This Week

• Earthquake in China – At least 19 people have been confirmed dead after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck northwest of Guangyuan, Sichuan province on 8 August. The area is frequently struck by earthquakes; in May 2008, 70,000 people were killed in a quake.
• Kenyan Elections – Some localised violence has occurred, with at least five deaths reported, after Kenyans went to the polls. Incumbent Uhuru Kenyatta is set to be sworn in for a second term. However, his primary opponent, Raila Amolo Odinga has claimed the elections were not free and fair despite observers from the EU, AU, the Carter Centre, and elsewhere stating otherwise.
• South Africa Secret Ballot – Parliament voted for the eighth time on a motion of no-confidence in President Zuma. Despite being a secret ballot, the motion was not successful. The opposition have now called for parliament to be dissolved and early elections to be held.
• North Korea vs the US – Both the United States and North Korea have been accused of increasing the tensions on the Korean Peninsula this week. President Trump has promised to bring “fire and fury” on North Korea, while Pyongyang has declared an intent to attack the US island territory of Guam.
• French Soldiers Attacked – Six French soldiers were left injured after being rammed by a BMW in the Paris suburb of Levallois-Perret on 9 August, in an apparently deliberate attack. Police believe the perpetrator has been arrested, after being shot by police.
• Central African Republic Clashes – 30 civilians, including six Red Cross aid workers, have been killed after clashes between a self-defence group and a local militia, believed to have been the UPC, a Muslim militia. The civilians had been attending a crisis meeting at a health facility in the town of Gambo of Mbomou prefecture.
• Lahore Terror – Lahore was hit by another terror attack on 7 August, with at least 39 people injured, including children. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack but the Pakistani Taliban are active in the area; in July of this year, they killed 25 in a bomb blast in Lahore.
• Nigerian Kidnapping – On 7 August, 16 people were kidnapped from a passenger bus outside of Port Harcourt in Nigeria’s Rivers State. This attack demonstrates instability in the area, despite the reduction of militant attacks on oil pipelines in 2017. Kidnapping-for-ransom is common in Nigeria with public transport often targeted by criminal groups.

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What To Look Out For Next Week

• Pakistan and India’s Independence Days – Pakistan and India celebrate their independence days on 14 and 15 August respectively. Large crowds and heightened security measures are expected in major cities of both countries. There is also the potential for border clashes in the Kashmir region or for terror groups to attack large crowds.
• South and North Korea’s Independence Day – The Koreas celebrate the end of Japanese colonial rule on 15 August. Protests are expected at the Japanese Embassy in Seoul by surviving ‘Comfort Women’. It is also possible that Pyongyang will use this as an opportunity to conduct another missile test, especially given the ratcheting up of tensions recently.
• Afghanistan’s Independence Day – There will be heightened levels of security throughout Afghanistan for their Independence Day celebrations. The threat of terror attacks, either targeted or random, remains severe. In 2011, the British Council compound was attacked by the Taliban on the country’s Independence Day.

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Significant Dates & Events

• 12 August – Prague Pride Parade
• 14 August – Jewish festival of Tisha B’Av
• 14 August – Hindu festival of Krishna Janmashtami
• 15 August – Republic of the Congo National Day
• 17 August – Gabon National Day
• 17 August – Indonesia Independence Day
• 20 August – Montreal Pride Parade
• 19-30 August – Southeast Asian Games

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Click the following link to download this report as a PDF: Week 32 – Weekly Risk Roundup The Weekly Risk Roundup highlights significant events from the last week and what to look out for next week. Week 32 Weekly Risk Roundup was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

Gulf of Guinea – Maritime Security Incidents

3 Aug 17 – Niger Delta Forum Retract Ultimatum. After the government agreed to some concessions, including legalising makeshift refineries, the group retracted their threat of resuming targeting oil pipelines. 7 Aug 17 – Robbery Attempt on Berthed Tanker in Lagos Port. The duty officer noticed two robbers trying to insert a hose into the cargo tank. The alarm was raised and robbers escaped with the hose. Nothing was reported stolen and port control was informed. 8 Aug 17 – Militant Group Set 1 October Deadline to Declare a Niger Delta Republic. The group known as the Niger Delta Volunteers have claimed they have made agreements with other restive groups to declare the Niger Delta a sovereign republic. They have also stated they are not part of Biafra and have warned Biafran indigenous people to stay away from Akwa Ibom. International oil companies have been threatened to move their headquarters to the Niger Delta or attacks on oil and gas infrastructure will resume.

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Indian Ocean – Maritime Security Incidents

3 Aug 17 – Turkey Open Largest Military Camp in Mogadishu. The camp is due to be opened in September 2017 and is Turkey’s largest overseas 9 Aug 17: UKMTO Clarifies Transiting the Bab El Mandeb Strait in Dark Hours. Due to the varying natures of current threats in the High Risk Area, transiting the strait during daylight or darkness will heighten different risks. Vessels should continue to implement BMP4 measures to the fullest extent possible, including the use of armed security, as well as conduct a detailed risk assessment of each transit.

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South East Asia – Maritime Security Incidents

No significant approaches, vessel attacks or boardings were reported this week. 5 Aug 17 – China Seals off Parts of Yellow Sea to Conduct Naval Drills. The area was closed from 5-8 Aug from Qingdao, Shandong to Lianyungang, Jiangsu. The drills have been held at a time where tensions are high in response to North Korea’s missile testing. 7 Aug 17 – 16 Somali Pirates Sentenced to Seven Years in Jail in India. The convicted will be deported to Somalia once their sentence has been served. 9 Aug 17 – North Korea Threatens to Target Guam. The reported plan is to fire four missiles over Japan into the sea off Guam. The threat was made in response to escalating rhetoric between President Trump and North Korea.

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Click the following link to download this information as a PDF: Solace Global Maritime Security Snapshot – Week 32 A roundup of maritime security incidents – an easy to read format collating suspicious approaches, vessel attacks, boardings, hijacks and media reports. Week 32 Maritime Security Report complied by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

With recent spate of acid attacks in London, it is important to be aware of the steps to take if you or someone you are near is attacked by acid (in liquid form). With this in mind, these are the six most important steps for providing acid attack first aid.

1. Call an ambulance or have someone else do it for you as you complete the next steps.
2. The most important step to take as a result of providing acid attack first aid is washing. This should be done with plenty of fresh or saline (salt) water. It is important to not wash the affected area with dirty water as this may cause a serious infection. This process may take between 30-45 minutes and should be conducted until the victim’s burning sensation passes. It is advisable to avoid using a hard spray of water as it may cause further damage. If acid gets into a patient’s eyes, they should be run under cold water for at least 10 minutes – do not let a patient touch their own eyes as acid may be on their hands.
3. All jewellery or clothing which has had contact with acid should be remove as one of the first priorities.
4. The individual treating the burn should avoid applying any cream or ointment on the impacted area – this may slow treatment by medical professionals. Indeed, applying an alkaline solution may in fact lead to a chemical reaction which causes a more impactful burn.
5. If possible, loosely cover the impacted area with sterilised gauze. This should help prevent debris and dirt entering the wound and contaminating it. Clingfilm (saran wrap) can also be used but this should be layered rather than wrapped around the affected area.
6. Most importantly, for the patient’s long-term health – get to a hospital, ideally one with a ward specifically with a burns unit.

If possible, patients or those undertaking treatment should find out what chemical caused the burn, look out to see if a bottle is left behind by the attacker which could provide clues to the type of chemical used.

Dr Tim Hammond

Chief Medical Officer, CEGA

At Solace Global, we understand that the well-being of your employees is paramount, especially when it comes to business travel. Our integrated medical and security solutions are designed to provide comprehensive protection and peace of mind, allowing your team to focus on what they do best – driving your business forward.