Gun, Partner!

As I have written so many times before, I am writing this article while sitting on an airplane…I guess this is my quiet time, with no text messages, phone calls or emails that need to be answered immediately!

Well, times sure have changed since I began writing for The Insurance Advocate over eight years ago. We have experienced a change in President, a boom in technology, and even large changes in music and fashion…to mention just a few. However, one change that is certainly not for the better is the change in how we experience our daily lives, constantly trying to be much more cognizant of our personal “situational awareness” with all of the threats that we face due to random public shootings, bombings, “lone wolf” terror attacks, “sleeper cell” threats, and other fears that we have come to live with in this day and age that we never would have dreamed of just 20 years ago.

As an active member of my local volunteer Fire and EMS Department, we are constantly reminded of the threats that face every first responder, each and every time that bell rings and a “call bangs out.” Whether the alarm is for a person in cardiac arrest, or a motor vehicle accident, or a structure fire, or even a cat in a tree, those who respond to these alarms are no longer just concerned with what the alarm itself brings, but what else may be lurking behind a tree, or on a roof, or in a trash can, or even at the call itself from those who made the call to begin with.

First responders sign up to help others…not to be assaulted themselves. It is very well known and accepted that there are inherent risks associated with the job, however you do not answer an alarm with the intention of being involved in an altercation, or be shot at…although you are always very aware that anything may happen, at any time.

Sometimes a violent reaction may be brought about by the responder themselves during the normal course of administering care to a patient. For instance, when responding to a heroin overdose situation, there is an excellent chance that the medic or EMT, or police officer may administer Narcan:  a nasal spray that counteracts the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose, that was developed for first responders, as well as family, friends, and caregivers of those who may come in contact with someone who is a heroin user.

Narcan works by separating the opioids from the opiate receptors in the brain. Narcan™ (aka naloxone) can help even if opioids are taken with alcohol or other drugs. After a dose of Narcan™, the person will usually begin to breathe normally, and then become easier to be awoken from their drug-induced stupor. However, it is extremely important to give help to an overdosing person right away, because brain damage can occur within only a few minutes of an opioid overdose as a result of a lack of oxygen to the brain. Narcan™ provides those who are with the victim a window of opportunity to save a life by providing extra time to call 911 and carry out CPR until emergency medical help arrives.

However, a person who is treated with Narcan™, once awake, may often become extremely agitated, and even violent as the drug begins to take effect. Therefore, you want to always make certain that the proper dosage is administered, and that as a first responder you are aware and prepared for a very irate person when awoken, as it is common for an overdose patient to try to fight off first responders, causing injury to both themselves and the responder.

So how does all this relate to this thing of ours: the insurance industry? Well, in Louisiana, Gov. John Bel Edwards recently made his state the first in the nation to adopt legislation making attacks on police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel a hate crime.

The legislation, which was immediately criticized by members of the Black Lives Matter movement, was introduced in the state House in April and passed that body by a 92-12 vote before winning approval of the Senate earlier this month 33-2. The governor then signed the measure shortly thereafter in a ceremony in Baton Rouge.

“Coming from a family of law enforcement officers, I have great respect for the work that they do and the risks they take to ensure our safety,” said Governor Edwards. “The men and women who put their lives on the line every day, often under very dangerous circumstances, are true heroes and they deserve every protection that we can give them. They serve and protect our communities and our families. The overarching message is that hate crimes will not be tolerated in Louisiana.”

The new law, which passed the legislature as HB 953, adds police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel to the already existing categories of perceived age, color, creed, disability, gender, race, sexual orientation and national origin protected under hate crime statutes in the state. Individuals convicted of a hate crime in Louisiana can see five additional years tacked on to their sentence. Misdemeanor hate crime offenders can be sentenced to prison for up to six months and given a $500 penalty. In addition, the definition of law enforcement includes both active and retired police, sheriffs, peace officers, corrections, parole and conservation officers. The move was supported by law enforcement lobby groups and the state police.

“The signing of this bill gives us all an opportunity to pause and remember the extraordinary acts by seemingly ordinary people who serve our state as first responders,” said Colonel Mike Edmonson, State Police superintendent. “Whereas citizens flee danger, police, fire and EMS personnel run to it.”

However, in New Orleans, the local chapter of the Black Youth Project 100, which is associated with the Black Lives Matter movement, opposed the passage of HB 953, claiming that the number of people killed by what the group terms “police violence” far outpaces the number of law enforcement officers killed. “The criminal (in)justice system and those who uphold it have a long and egregious history of inflicting violence on Black and Brown bodies while hiding behind uniforms and badges,” reads a statement from BYP100. “The ‘Blue Lives Matter’ bill is an insidious attempt to destabilize our First Amendment rights as community members who hold the police and others sworn by oath to serve and protect, accountable.” The law immediately took effect once signed by the Governor.

From an insurance perspective, citizens, business owners, and even governments need to be financially protected from an active shooter. According to Insurance Forums Now, Texas-based GDP Advisors, LLC recently announced the launch of an “Active Shooter Insurance Program,” joining the Willis Group, and XL Catlin in offering specific “active shooter” policies.

According to the Department of Labor, more than 700 people nationally die every year, and an average of 13 people are injured annually as a result of violent attacks in the workplace, although the number of workplace homicides has actually fallen over the past five years. An FBI study of active shooter incidents identified 160 that occurred in the U.S. between 2000 and 2013, accounting for 486 deaths and 557 wounded with an average of 11.4 incidents annually. Shootings occurred in 40 of 50 states and Washington DC, and 70% occurred in either a commerce/business or educational environment.

“With recent events and the continued increase in mass shooting activity during the last several years, learning institutions and businesses are vulnerable to this type of unforeseen incident occurring at their facilities or place of business,” said a release announcing the coverage from GDP Advisors. “Regardless of your opinion on gun-related issues, mindfulness and having an action plan prior to and after any tragic incident should be top priority on your agenda today. GDP Advisors is announcing this ‘Active Shooter Insurance Program’ to reach out and educate the public about preparation for this type of high-risk event.”

Willis Group started selling its Active Shooter Insurance last fall—originally marketing it to universities but quickly expanding it as inquiries poured in from hotels, hospitals and other facilities. Commercial agents with clients or prospects such as shopping mall management companies, school districts, nightclubs, theaters, concert venues—pretty much any place the public gathers—may find interest in this type of coverage.

Such a policy offers additional coverage beyond workers’ compensation, which traditionally covers medical costs of employees who are injured as the result of a shooting.

XL Catlin’s “Active Assailant” coverage was added to its Crisis Management product suite earlier this year to help organizations with the financial impacts of active assailant events ranging from business interruption and denial of access through to medical expenses and business rehabilitation costs.

“Sadly, global terror events and a number of recent, high profile attacks carried out by terrorist groups and individuals has brought into focus the need for such an insurance solution,” said Stephen Ashwell, XL Catlin’s Chief Underwriting Officer for Crisis Management.

GDP says most individuals and organizations think their current insurance policy provides coverage in an Active Shooter situation. “Our analysis of available coverage in most policies shows that coverage is inadequate and many policies do not address this specific type of incident. GDP Advisors’ Active Shooter Insurance Program provides specifically tailored coverage in planning and reacting to these types of events.”

An Active Shooter situation not only includes firearms but also knives, weapons and certain types of explosives. The program includes risk assessment within 45 days of coverage inception, a training seminar and special crisis management services available 24 hours a day for up to 90 days after an event, including counseling and funeral expenses. Up to $20M aggregated policy limits are currently available.

In the United States, we are averaging one active shooting event every week. Educational facilities, churches, sports facilities and other public venues where there is a gathering of people are at risk every day for a life-changing mass shooter incident to occur.

GDP Advisors specializes in strategic risk management consulting, creation and implementation of customized property and casualty insurance programs and exclusive benefits administration programs. For more information visit www.activeshooterinsurance.com.

So, with that said, thank you to all first responders, law enforcement, and military personnel for keeping us safe and for “running in when all others are running out,” and from my family to yours, a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving Day! Ciao for now!