The Dutchess County Sheriff's Office teamed up with the Medical Reserve Corps of Dutchess County for "Active Shooter and Stop the Bleed" training on Thursday.

The 90-minute session was open to the public and focused on the correct response to an active shooter incident and how to stop life-threatening bleeding.

The class was held at the Dutchess County Emergency Management at 392 Creek Road in Poughkeepsie.

The growing concern in the Hudson Valley of an active shooter is striking close to home, and has led many to look for ways to be prepared

The Gun Violence Archive says last year, there were 692 mass shootings, which they define as any shooting where four or more people are injured or killed.

Dutchess County Medical Reserve Corps' Eileen Andros said it’s clear that the attitude of "this can’t happen here" has disappeared. She also said the active shooter training classes are filling up with more people.

“People are now aware of wanting to be aware of what to do with that,” she said.

Dutchess County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael DeRosa said it’s very important for people to know what to do during an active shooter situation.

“Because of the chaotic nature of an active shooter, a lot of times people will get panicked, especially if they don’t give it some forethought on how to respond,” DeRosa said.

The training is available to residents monthly at the Dutchess County Emergency Response Center. ​

The course is free, but registration is required since seating is limited. Please register by emailing: mrc@dutchessny.gov.