If we answer that question from the perspective of potential consequences, the theoretical answer is two casualties. According to data yielded during Purdue University’s study of the timelines of 65 workplace and school shootings, on average one person was shot every fifteen seconds.[1]

During active shooter attacks, the duration of time people are in an active hot zone with the gunman is directly proportional to the magnitude of tragedy!

For this reason, those who have attended the S2 Anti-Terrorism Officer course and our active shooter seminars in recent years have heard me strongly emphasize against use of delayed egress on exit doors. This problem, delayed egress on electronically-controlled exit doors, is a common concern I encounter in our consulting activities when assessing buildings for vulnerability to active shooter violence.

After several debates with consulting clients about this matter the past several years, we finally got around to making a video clip to help make the case. The following video was produced to illustrate how long 30 seconds is while standing at an exit door during an active shooter attack. If you ever find yourself in a battle against proponents of egress delay, perhaps you’ll find it useful.