NFPA Journal - September/October 2013 - (Page 56)

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS COORDINATED EFFORT Unified communication and integrated response protocols are key components for handling mass-casualty shootings. ment, transport, and fire control as needed, with the understanding that all responders are functioning in a crime scene. It should also be recognized that there are situations where a shooter is not yet apparent, as in the New York incident, and these ambush scenarios are now part of almost every fire service discussion on the topic. The prevailing idea here is that the fire service should “expect the unexpected,” and firefighters should have procedures in place to help them manage these situations should they encounter a shooter. Of course, SOPs are of little value unless they are written, disseminated, and fully understood. SOPs and training are extremely important, not only in establishing and continuing command, but also at the tactical and task level. Upon arrival at an active scene, for instance, fire department staging areas should be established far enough away from the scene to provide safety during equipment assembly and engagement, considering both distance and cover provided by structures between responders and the active police operation. In addition, many fire and police agencies are working together to establish definitions and protocols for hot, warm, and cold zones at active shooter events, similar to those at hazardous materials or fire incidents. By establishing these areas, 56 NFPA JOURNAL SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 all responding personnel would be familiar with the terminology and could orient to the scene more quickly. Just as with a hazardous materials incident, the hot zone would be a “do not enter” area for firefighters and emergency medical services, including EMTs and paramedics. This is the active police activity zone where police officers are searching for and/or confronting the shooter. The warm zone is the area where properly trained firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics may respond to deliver rapid life-saving care to victims under the cover of assigned police officers. This is a concept that has come to be known as a “rescue task force” (RTF) and is the second wave of response into the incident scene necessary for immediate life-saving care for shooting victims. Fire departments developing RTF protocols should train all firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics in tactical emergency casualty care and in the use of tourniquets and combat dressings. Since firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics working in the warm zone could possibly encounter an armed assailant, they should be provided with ballistic protective equipment such as helmets, vests, and other types of protective clothing. Few firefighters and emergency medical personnel are familiar with this equipment, but for departments establishing protocols or SOPs for shoot- Photograph: AP/Wide World

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NFPA Journal - September/October 2013

NFPA Journal - September/October 2013
Contents
First Word
In a Flash
Perspectives
Firewatch
Heads Up
Research
Structural Ops
In Compliance
Buzzwords
Outreach
Electrical Safety
Wildfire Watch
Cover Story: Furniture Flamability
Special Report
NFPA Reports
NFPA Reports
Fire Analysis + Research
Section Spotlight
What’s Hot
Looking Back

NFPA Journal - September/October 2013