The role of EMS in active shooter scenario
There are certain types of training that EMS responders must undergo to work alongside tactical units in the event of an active shooting.
Active shooters are engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a closed, populated area usually with many injured or killed due to bullet wounds.
EMS personnel are usually either the first or second team to arrive at the scene of an active shooting. They are required to provide victims that suffered injuries with just-in-time care before they are taken to hospitals.
Preparation of EMS to adequately manage an active shooter scenario
Due to safety concerns, EMS personnel are unable to gain entry into the scene to administer first-aid to victims. However, if they could train together with law enforcement officers, the officers will be able to help them with victim care once it's deemed safe to broach the crime scene.
When responding to an active shooting scene, the responders need to be extremely well-versed in the medical guidelines for basic first aid.
Active shooter scenarios need to be met with a certain level of preparation from EMS providers.
Preparation instead of improvising on the spot can allow EMS responders to follow a clearly outlined, logical strategy.
They should be ready to take on multiple patients on the basic life-saving level.
It is very important to be competent in administering first-tier aid, such as chest seals, and moving the patient when necessary, as these are important steps in saving victims.
They should be trained to recognize different types of injury and varied symptoms, since misreading symptoms can exacerbate the situation and at times even lead to death.
Response of EMS to active shooter scenario
The EMS is known for its swift response to shooting sites.
However, this becomes ineffective if they are unable to provide victims with the required help.
Without the right tools at their disposal, responders are unable to give the victims the care they need.This means they ought to at all times be equipped with standard medical necessities such as wound packing materials.
Patching up the injured leads to the next significant hurdle - safely transferring the patient from an active crime scene to a Hospital.
Moving patients who have already sustained heavy injuries is not as easy as it seems and requires great caution.
Responders have to be very careful at each step of the process, from placing patients on their gurneys, to transferring them to the hospital, and finally helping them from their gurneys into their assigned hospital beds.
A successful exfiltration requires a brilliant plan and teamwork to carry out, but any designed plan can fall short without adequate resources, effective communication, and manpower to see it realized.
