Prepare Before the Unthinkable Happens

Unlike many traditional active violence response programs, AVIRT combines practical response strategies, hands-on training, realistic scenarios, and life-saving medical skills into one comprehensive training experience.

Active violence can happen anywhere—including healthcare facilities, schools, places of worship, businesses, and community spaces. AVIRT (Active Violence Immediate Response Training) prepares individuals and organizations to recognize warning signs, make sound decisions under stress, and respond effectively during an active violence event. Through scenario-based training, you'll build the confidence to protect yourself and others when every second matters.

Would You Know What to Do?

Most people hope they'll never face an active violence event. But if one happened where you work tomorrow, would you know what to do? In a crisis, preparation—not panic—helps people make better decisions. Take a moment to ask yourself these questions.

  • Would you know the safest way to escape if one was available?

  • Would you know where to evade and what may actually provide protection if escape wasn't possible?

  • Would you know when and how to attack if your life depended on it, including simple weapon disarming techniques?

  • Could you recognize life-threatening bleeding and know what to do before EMS can safely reach the victim?

  • Would you know how to properly apply a tourniquet and use direct pressure to control severe bleeding?

  • Would you know how to pack a life-threatening wound?

  • Would you know the difference between cover and concealment, and which one may actually stop bullets?

  • Would your team know how to communicate and respond together under stress?

The goal of AVIRT isn't to create fear—it's to build confidence. Through realistic, scenario-based training, you'll develop the confidence and practical skills to make better decisions, protect others, and respond effectively when every second counts.

Why AVIRT Is Different

Many active violence programs focus on broad concepts or the traditional "Run, Hide, Fight" model. AVIRT takes a different approach by teaching practical decision-making through the principles of Escape, Evade, and Attack. Participants learn where to move, what may actually provide protection, how to respond when escape isn't possible, and how to provide immediate medical care before EMS can safely reach the injured.

Escape • Evade • Attack

Learn the AVIRT principles of Escape, Evade, and Attack, including where to move, where to seek protection, and how to respond if confronted by an attacker.

Scenario-Based Training

Learn by doing. Realistic scenarios help participants build confidence, improve decision-making, and apply their skills under stress—not just in the classroom.

Strong Medical Component

Developed with expertise in trauma and emergency medicine, AVIRT teaches simple, life-saving bleeding control skills that anyone can learn—including direct pressure, tourniquet application, and wound packing.

Designed for Every Learning Style

AVIRT combines visual instruction, discussion, hands-on practice, and realistic scenarios to support multiple learning styles and improve long-term skill retention.

Practical Skills Anyone Can Learn

Complex concepts are simplified into practical, actionable skills that prepare everyday people to respond with confidence during an active violence event.

The two things we hear most often after AVIRT training are:
"I feel confident."
"I feel empowered."

That's our goal—to help every participant leave with practical skills, greater confidence, and the ability to respond when it matters most.

What You’ll Actually Learn

  • Recognize pre-incident warning signs and improve situational awareness.

  • Learn the AVIRT principles of Escape, Evade, and Attack.

  • Understand the difference between cover and concealment, including what may provide protection during an active violence event.

  • Practice simple, effective weapon disarming techniques.

  • Learn life-saving bleeding control skills, including direct pressure, tourniquet application, and wound packing.

  • Participate in realistic, scenario-based training designed to build confidence and improve decision-making under stress, and supports a variety of learning styles.

See AVIRT in Action

Why Choose Balance Training Academy for AVIRT?

At Balance Training Academy, we believe confidence comes from preparation. Our instructors don't just teach the curriculum—they actively train in emergency response, defensive tactics, and life-saving medical skills. By combining the nationally recognized AVIRT program with realistic scenarios, hands-on practice, and engaging instruction, we help participants leave feeling prepared, confident, and empowered.

  • Experienced instructors with real-world medical backgrounds

  • Instructors who actively train in defensive tactics and emergency response

  • Realistic, scenario-based learning—not just lecture

  • Hands-on bleeding control skills, including tourniquet application and wound packing

  • Interactive training designed for businesses, schools, healthcare, and community organizations

  • Nationally recognized HSI AVIRT curriculum

What to Expect During Training

AVIRT is an interactive, scenario-based course designed to prepare participants for real-world active violence events. Through discussion, visual learning, hands-on practice, and realistic scenarios, you'll build the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to make effective decisions under stress. You'll leave with skills that can help protect yourself, assist others, and provide life-saving care before emergency responders can safely reach the scene.

  • Interactive instructor-led discussion

  • Learn the difference between cover and concealment

  • Develop practical escape and survival strategies

  • Learn defensive techniques used when confronting an active attacker

  • Hands-on tourniquet application and wound packing

  • Realistic scenario-based exercises

  • Opportunity to ask questions throughout the course

Built by Experts.
Taught by Professionals.

AVIRT was developed by experienced professionals in law enforcement, emergency medicine, trauma care, and public safety to provide practical, evidence-based training for today's world. At Balance Training Academy, we deliver that curriculum through instructors who actively train, bringing real-world experience and hands-on teaching into every class.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should take AVIRT training?

AVIRT is designed for businesses, healthcare facilities, schools, churches, community organizations, and anyone who wants to be better prepared to respond during an active violence event. No previous medical or tactical experience is required.

Do I need previous firearms or self-defense experience?

No. AVIRT is designed for people of all experience levels. The course focuses on awareness, decision-making, practical response options, and life-saving medical skills—not firearms proficiency.

Will we practice hands-on skills?

Yes. AVIRT is an interactive course that includes realistic scenarios, discussion, hands-on bleeding control skills such as tourniquet application and wound packing, and practical exercises designed to build confidence.

Will I receive a certification?

Yes. Participants who successfully complete the course receive an official HSI AVIRT (Active Violence Immediate Response Training) certification.

Can you teach AVIRT at our business or organization?

Absolutely. We offer on-site training for businesses, healthcare facilities, schools, churches, and other organizations throughout the Phoenix area. Contact us for group training options.

How long is the class?

AVIRT classes typically last 2.5 hours, depending on class size, discussion, and scenario participation.

Is this course focused only on active shooters?

No. While the course addresses active shooter situations, the principles taught in AVIRT apply to a variety of violent critical incidents. The focus is on awareness, decision-making, emergency response, and life-saving actions that can help in many types of emergencies.

Is AVIRT emotionally intense?

Some of the topics discussed can be serious because they involve real-world emergencies. Our instructors create a professional, respectful learning environment where participants can ask questions, build confidence, and learn practical skills without unnecessary fear or sensationalism.

Our Commitment

We believe active violence response training should do more than teach concepts—it should build confidence through realistic practice, practical skills, and hands-on learning. Every class we teach is designed to help participants leave feeling more prepared, more capable, and more empowered than when they arrived.

Ready to Bring AVIRT Training to Your Organization?

Whether you're preparing a healthcare team, school staff, church, business, or community organization, we're here to help you build confidence through practical, hands-on training. Contact us below to discuss private group training.

Need individual training? Contact us to be notified when the next public AVIRT class is scheduled.