HARDWIRE INS-3004-A Emergency Response Shield User Manual

: June 1, 2024
: HARDWIRE

Table of Contents

ASSEMBLY OBJECTIVES:
HARDWIRE ERS RESOURCES
Q1: What does it stop?
Q2: Is it big enough?
Q3: Will I get thrown backwards if I am hit?
Q4: It’s heavy, how am I expected to use this?
Q5: How is it used?
Q6: How do I install the ERS?
Q7: There are shields installed in my facility, now what?
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**HARDWIRE INS-3004-A Emergency Response Shield User Manual

**

Your facility just purchased Hardwire’s Emergency Response Shield for active shooter protection This is an important and effective step in increasing security and becoming more prepared to respond to an active shooter event. The next step is making sure your employees are well tramed on how to use these tools to respond effectively.

STEP 1: Installation
Share the installation video with your maintenance staff. Scan the QR Code to view the installation video >

STEP 2: Prepare Response Team Meet with local first responders or the law enforcement team that will respond to any incidences at your facility. Communicate the tools that are available. Ensure they understand the location of the shields and how to use them. If they have any questions, please share Hardwire’s contact information and we can further assist them:
Hardwire, LLC | support@hardwirellc.com | 410-957-3669 | HARDWIRELLC.com

STEP 3: Update Emergency Response Plan
Update your emergency response plan. Add a map of your facility with the ERS locations labeled like the example below. You can also include the training video QR Code so employees have access if they would like to refresh their training!
There are many resources available to help with emergency response plans:

Active Shooter – How to Respond Booklet:
https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/active_shooter_booklet.pdf
Hospitals & Healthcare Facilities Guide:
https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/
19_0515_cisa_action-guide-hospitals-and-healthcare.pdf
Mass Gatherings Action Guide:
https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-11/Mass%20
Gatherings%20-%20Security%20Awareness%20for%20ST-CP.PDF
Active Shooter - How to Respond Booklet

STEP 4: Train Staff
Host a training assembly annually and share the protocol when new employees arrive. Add an annual ERS training reminder to your calendar so each year all staff are refreshed on your company’s protocol and new staff receive the necessary training. Have your administrator who is in charge of security for the company head the training assembly.

ASSEMBLY OBJECTIVES:

Go over the FAQ about the Emergency Response Shield.
Let each person hold the shield and practice removing it from the wall.
Review the directions for use: Grab. Position. Protect. Disable.
Watch the training video and have a discussion.
Send out a follow-up email to your staff with the following links and resources for more information.

HARDWIRE ERS RESOURCES

Training video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVHi9Qm0dmg
Talking points:
https://hardwirellc.com/pages/take-action
ERS FAQ:
https://hardwirellc.com/blogs/newsroom/hardwire-emergency-response-shield- faq
OTHER RESOURCES USED FOR ACTIVE SHOOTER RESPONSE
Dept. Homeland Security “Run. Hide. Fight.” Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VcSwejU2D0
ALERRT’s “Avoid. Deny. Defend” Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0It68YxLQQ
Dept. Homeland Security’s Active Shooter Response Booklet:
https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/active_shooter_booklet.pdf

STEP 5: Inform Community
Notify your community (employees, frequent visitors, constituents, and other stakeholders) that the ERS has been installed throughout your facility.

Dear (Business) Community,

We’re focusing much of our time and attention on evaluating and updating safety and security measures on our campus. This focus has continued as we work to create an environment which balances the need for security measures and our ability to provide an engaging space for our employees and visitors.

We would like to highlight one safety measure in particular. We are writing to inform you that as of (insert installation date) Hardwire® Emergency Response Shields (ERS) have been installed in our facility. While we hold a firm belief that our space is a truly safe place for our community, the addition of the ERS serves as a precaution and deterrent against active assailant events.

These shields are hung in various locations throughout the facility and are designed to aid law enforcement in the event they need to enter our buildings in an emergency situation. Our staff has also received training on how and when to use these shields.

This upgrade is much like the addition of fire extinguishers and AEDs, added layers of protection for our community to be used in the event of an emergency.

Below are some resources to assist in understanding our new security tool:

HARDWIRE ERS RESOURCES
- Training video> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVHi9Qm0dmg
- Product Video>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svNPRRobaok

Q1: What does it stop?

A1: The Steel Level 3+ ERS stops ammunition from handguns, shotguns, blunt force weapons, and rifles. Essentially, this ERS will stop any ammunition an active shooter would use from a handgun, shotgun, or AR/AK.

Q2: Is it big enough?

A2: A lot of engineering has been put into the size of this shield to optimize it for every day users. Shooters typically aim for the center of mass (torso) and what they see most easily. The ERS is 4 times larger than body armor that police officers wear and it covers the vital torso area. The size balances coverage while also ensuring that the shield isn’t too heavy to use. It also has the ability to fit easily through doorways. You need enough body coverage but you also need to be able to move with it. The shield has been designed with all of those elements in mind.

Q3: Will I get thrown backwards if I am hit?

A3: No! Don’t let Hollywood fool you. The force from the bullet will be dispersed through the shield as the projectile is stopped. This goes back to physics first principles – conservation of momentum. Since the weight of the shield is more than the weight of the gun, the force (kick) you feel in the shield will be less than the kick of the gun.

Q4: It’s heavy, how am I expected to use this?

A4: We know it is not light, but it stops bullets. In an emergency, adrenaline is running high. Most able-bodied adults will be able to utilize the shield under these circumstances. Remember, you don’t need to hold it for hours. You just need to grab it and respond quickly.

Q5: How is it used?

A5: First, we recommend the Dept. of Homeland Security’s response protocol, “Run, Hide, Fight”. If you can get away from danger safely, first, run. If you cannot escape, hide. Cover windows, lock doors, and stay out of the line of sight. However, if you are faced with the assailant and have no other options, fight to disable the shooter. This is when the shield comes into play most effectively. Grab the shield. Position yourself in an athletic, bent-knee stance. Protect your students or others around you by having them stand behind you (and the shield). Disable the assailant by rushing them with the shield, ramming into them and knocking the weapon out of their hand. The unfortunate reality is that if you have no other option but to die or fight for your life, you will be very glad to have this tool. See our training video for a full tutorial and simulation for a visual understanding.

ERS Simulation Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEZNpt2g3Ws
ERS Training Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVHi9Qm0dmg
OTHER RESOURCES USED FOR ACTIVE SHOOTER RESPONSE
Dept. Homeland Security “Run. Hide. Fight.” Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VcSwejU2D0
ALERRT’s “Avoid. Deny. Defend” Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0It68YxLQQ
Dept. Homeland Security’s Active Shooter Response Booklet:
https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/active_shooter_booklet.pdf
Hospitals, Healthcare Facilities, Soft Targets & Crowded Places Response:
https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/19_0515_cisa_action- guide-hospitals-andhealthcare.pdf
Mass Gatherings Action Guide:
https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-11/Mass%20Gatherings%20- %20Security%20Awareness%20for%20ST- CP.PDF

Q6: How do I install the ERS?

A6: See the following resources for further instruction.

Installation Instruction PDF:
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0172/4101/4372/files/ERS_INSTALLATION_INSTRUCTIONS_5.2023.pdf?
v=1688665592
Installation Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izynJa9_HHg

Q7: There are shields installed in my facility, now what?

A7: Listed here are resources that can be used to train and educate your team. Following Hardwire's Training Manual steps helps to implement this product most effectively.

ERS Training Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVHi9Qm0dmg