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ACTIVE-SHOOTER RESPONSE This kind of preplanning accom- plishes several goals for the shooter. Intended targets are less likely to escape, or they may be herded towards a “kill zone.” This can also delay the first responders and buys time for the perpe- trator to execute more people. Simply stated, the more time the perpetrator has, the more casualties there will be. Regardless of the nature of active- shooter situations, law enforcement clearly recognizes the need to get into the crisis site and distract, neutralize or eliminate the threat and reduce the number of potential casualties. Over the last decade, law enforce- ment has made significant strides and improvements in the response to active-shooter incidents.4 Suggested Medical Equipment Belt pack or small backpack Several changes of PPE Triage tags/tape, or triage lights Trauma shears Stethoscope Head lamp Tourniquets Asherman (or similar) open chest wound seals OPA/NPA Israeli dressings QuikClot dressings (assorted sizes) Roller gauze/Ace wrap (assorted sizes) Large and medium-sized trauma dressings Historically, local law enforcement might wait for a well-armed and trained SWAT team to make entry into the crisis site. Clearly this delay allows the perpetrator to continue unimpeded in his efforts and more 1- and 2-inch cloth adhesive tape Note-taking/documentation material lives could be lost. Law-enforcement response to active-shooter situations now encourages taking whatever assets are immediately available and becoming a “contact team,” with the sole purpose of distracting, making contact with and engaging the shooter as soon as possible. This requires the contact team to simply go toward the sound of the shots. This approach is called Immediate Action Rapid Deployment (IARD) and is now widespread and accepted in law enforcement communities.5 What is less clear and defined is the EMS medical response procedure. Simply stated, we know that the more delay in getting EMS into the crisis site to render care, the more likely morbidity and mortality will go up for the victims. It is imperative to ensure that EMS providers are not put in harm’s way and are not allowed to enter a scene unescorted where there might still be a threat. Once the threat is eliminated or isolated, which statistically happens very quickly, the scene is no longer a hot zone. A quick sweep from a SWAT team -*& % ), Progressive Medical International To order call 800-764-0636 or shop online at www.progressivemed.com For more info on PMI Halo Seals go to www.haloseal.com HALO OCCLUSIVE CHEST SEAL FEATURES & BENEFITS: • Two seals per package to treat both entrance and exit wounds • Creates an occlusive seal • Total occlusion with excessive blood, dirt or heavy perspiration present • Non-vented • Oval shape • Measures: 6.5” x 5.5” • Easy application • Large pull tabs to facilitate removal or venting of wound • Reseals after venting • Durable protective packaging • Integrity maintained when folded • Latex free • Storage temperature range under 32o • 3-year shelf life F to over 140o MADE IN THE USA F 2/Pack Only $1695 NSN #6510-01-581-0553 DAPA # SPO200-10-H0087 Reorder #G1163 For More Information Circle 24 on Reader Service Card EMSWORLD.com | JULY 2011 45