What to do in the first 72 hours after a shooting

1. Immediate safety & medical care

• Call 911 or emergency services if you haven't already.
• Find out which hospital the applicant was taken to.
• Ask for the name of the doctor, nurse, or social worker on the case.
• If you are with the applicant, stay as calm as possible and follow medical staff instructions.

2. Police report & case information

• Ask for the police report number (also called RD, incident, or case number).
• Write down the name and badge number of any officers you speak with.
• Ask if a detective has been assigned and get their name and contact info.
• Keep all of this written down in one place – you'll need it for compensation and legal help.

3. Start a simple record of events

• Write down the date, time, and location of the shooting.
• Note who was there (friends, family, witnesses).
• Keep track of hospital visits, calls with detectives, and any major updates.
• This does not need to be perfect – it just helps your memory later.

4. Emotional support

• Ask the hospital if they have a social worker, chaplain, or victim advocate.
• Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or faith leader.
• If you notice panic, numbness, or trouble breathing, remind yourself that shock is common – you are not weak.
• You can call or text a crisis line if you need to talk to someone right away.

5. Preparing for compensation help

Within a few days, you can begin applying for Illinois Crime Victims Compensation to help with medical bills, funeral costs, and counseling—when you feel ready.

• Keep any paperwork you receive from the hospital or police.
• Save receipts for parking, prescriptions, or emergency expenses.
• Write down who is missing work or school because of the incident.