Active Shooter Facilitators Guide 12-18-15 LE DW final

Active Shooter

The goal of this training program is to educate law enforcement on required training mandates for a terrorist or active shooter incident. New law requires that law enforcement train with all first responders to include fire and EMS personnel. The benefits to this type of training, as well as some of the challenges in coordination, are highlighted within this video training program. This facilitation guide is intended to assist in the delivery of the video material in an interactive and thought-provoking manner. It provides suggestions to help facilitate most sections of the video; however it is not a comprehensive guide for every aspect of the video. The videos do not necessarily depict a correct or incorrect way to handle a situation. The goal is for the students to engage in discussion of the topic and how it relates to them and to their agency. The guide may be used by facilitators of all experience levels to help the students get the most out of the material. This guide contains the following sections: 1) Video Viewing Options and Features, 2) a Brief Overview of the Scenarios with key learning points, 3) an Expanded Content Guide, and 4) a Student Study Guide Answer Key. The Video Viewing Options and Features section describes how the video is formatted and organized for use by facilitators or individual trainees. The Brief Overview of the Scenarios describes each scenario and lists the key learning points for each section. It can assist a facilitator in quickly getting up to speed with the material. The Expanded Content Guide is designed for use in a traditional training session where more time is available to explore the subject in depth. The expanded guide contains the same information as the brief scenario overview, plus provides suggested questions to facilitate most sections of the video, sample learning activities for small groups, and additional learning points that are often found in the interview comments. A Student Study Guide Answer Key, which is a completed version of the Student Study Guide, is included at the end of this document. To receive credit, individual students review their completed Student Study Guide with the designated training manager or supervisor. The facilitator should view and become familiar with all the material and key learning points in this course before use with students. This video is intended as a guide for discussion. Scenarios do not necessarily depict correct responses, and may not include a response at all. The goal is to create a venue for discussion and student interaction. The conclusion of the discussion should focus on the law and your specific agency policies. This video is designed to give the facilitator different viewing options. The video may be watched in its entirety in a single session or broken up into shorter segments. Each video segment is approximately 15 minutes long, making it ideal for facilitation in a briefing or roll call setting.

Active Shooter Page 2

Video Viewing Options and Features The video will open with two different viewing options: Facilitated Group Course or Informational/Individual Viewing. Facilitated Group Course The Facilitated Group Course option should be selected when the video is being used in a classroom or briefing setting and an instructor or supervisor is present to facilitate the course. The material may be delivered in a single session or broken up over several days, such as delivery during briefing settings. The material is divided into tabbed sections that the facilitator may play in whatever order they feel best meets the training need. Once the material has been covered in its entirety, the supervisor or training manager (as designated by the department) may submit a completed training roster via EDI to POST for CPT credit for trainees who have completed the training. Informational/Individual Viewing The Informational/Individual Viewing option should be selected when an officer is viewing the video alone or without an instructor or supervisor present to facilitate the delivery of the material. This option should not be used in a group training session. This option is intended for officers who work in a remote location or for a smaller agency that cannot readily access group training, or for an officer who is simply interested in viewing the video for informational purposes. The viewer will be guided through the video without facilitator interaction. At the discretion of the department designated training manager or supervisor, individual viewers may receive training credit for viewing this video. To receive credit, individual students must be provided with the student study guide that is attached as a PDF file on the DVD-ROM disc. The student watches the video and completes the study guide as they follow along. They then submit their completed study guide to the designated training manager or supervisor, who discusses the video and the student’s responses with them. Once the training manager or supervisor is satisfied that the student has demonstrated an understanding of the concepts of the video, the supervisor or training manager may submit a completed training roster via EDI to POST for CPT credit. Supervisors and/or training managers should contact POST’s Training Delivery and Compliance Bureau at (916)227-7748 for questions about completing and submitting rosters for video viewing. A completed version of the student study guide (Student Study Guide Answer Key) is included at the end of this document. Navigating the Video On-screen tabs appear across the bottom of each section of the video and allow the facilitator to select in what order the students will view the information. If in doubt about which tab to select, the information will flow logically if the tabs are selected in order from left to right. Once a facilitator is familiar with the content, they may find it more comfortable to deliver the material in an order of their own choosing. Scenario Tabs Scenario tabs appear at the start of each section and indicate a video scenario that is used for that section. Task Tabs Task tabs appear after scenarios or discussion tabs and are simply on-screen questions or statements available to use for group discussion. Discussion Tabs Discussion tabs appear after each scenario. They show a sample facilitation of the scenario in a briefing setting. They are optional. If the facilitator feels comfortable delivering the key learning points of the material, they may do so on their own. If they are not comfortable with the learning points or their own facilitation skills, they may either view the sample facilitation in advance to help become familiar with the material, or show the sample facilitation to the class to help spur further discussion. Interview Tabs Interview tabs appear after task questions. These are interviews with the Subject Matter Experts who provide additional discussion on the material. This commentary contains more information than what is delivered in the scenarios. Menu Tab Selecting the menu tab at the bottom right of the screen will take the viewer from the specific section they are in and return them to the main menu of the video where all sections are listed.


Brief Overview of the Scenarios Scenario 1 Integrated Training This segment opens with an in-progress incident that appears to be an active shooter. The segment portrays the actual shooter, victims still inside, and officers making entry into the building. Additional scenes depict the command post as well as victims being triaged outside. This is a multi-agency cooperative incident that is ultimately revealed to be a realistic and very complex training exercise. Key learning points:

• AB1598 o Legislative intent to require fire, law enforcement and emergency medical services agencies to collaborate

on training programs for “active shooter incidents.” o Also requires POST guidelines and training standards to address tactical casualty care and coordination

with EMS providers. • Preparation

o There is a great deal that can be learned simply from the planning of a multi-agency, collaborative training event

o Fire and law enforcement can identify potential targets and conduct training at those locations o One should at least attempt to identify and scout those locations o Communications challenges

Prepare for these Realistic training will offer the opportunity to identify challenges in communications Radio frequencies will likely be different among all first responders

• It may be that some first responders do not have any common radio frequencies and cannot communicate over the radio

• Training will identify this and solutions can be determined before an actual event Fire, EMS and law enforcement sometimes speak different languages on the radio; prepare and

train for this o Law enforcement should have a “go bag”

Should contain what you need to sustain yourself for an extended time. Items to consider: • Water • Energy bars • Ammo • Personal needs • Medications/basic aid supplies

Maybe enough to sustain others as well Balancing act, enough but not too much

o Identify resources needed when it is a controlled environment Mall security Private EMS Other security agencies

o Know what you have ahead of time o Collaborative training builds and/or enhances relationships among agencies o Allows an understanding of each other’s roles and responsibilities o Learn each other’s abilities and equipment capabilities


• Training o Make it as real as possible o Prepares personnel for the tragedy they will see in a real event o Lessens the impact or shock o Realistic training enhances safety for all at an actual incident o Should highlight strengths but should also identify weaknesses o Should be done intensely and repeatedly o Conduct it often enough that it should always be recent training o People who do the work need to work side-by-side in realistic scenarios o Have the proper equipment and know how to use it o Your main focus should be to learn what role you would play as a first responder

• Coordination o Establish hot, warm, cold zones o Victim reunification o Establish clear rules of engagement o Co-locating a command post o Fire will have plans/layouts of building o Fire has information on buildings that law enforcement often does not have o Expect multi-agency responses

Scenario 2 Initial Response This segment depicts law enforcement officers being dispatched to a report of shots fired inside a business. As officers arrive, they quickly debrief a witness and do a quick assessment of the scene. When shots are heard from inside the building, the officers must make a decision on whether immediate entry is warranted. Key learning points:

• Human factors/Stress management o CHAOS - Changes dynamics and thought pattern of individuals o Once “active shooter” is spoken, it can cause physiological changes o Slow down, calm down, take a breath o Think, look, listen o All active shooter incidents are different o Some can be calm and quiet o You may be walking into what is an apparent shooting situation o Possible physiological reactions

Adrenaline Tunnel vision High level of stress Increase in heart rate/blood pressure Potential for limited hearing

• Approach o Plain clothes

Proper uniform marking Easily identifiable Communication among different agencies

o Process information in front of you, need to gather intelligence o Make keen, sound, tactical decisions


o First officer on scene What do you have? What needs to be done? What resources do you need to get it done?

o If you’re there and shots are fired, what decision do you make? o Should you go in? o Solo officer? o How many officers do you need or how many officers do you have? o Individual decision o Not just a decision on whether you are going in, but also HOW you are going in

• Prioritization o The Four A’s

Assess • Active shooter or barricaded suspect • What do you have?

Announce • Over radio so all officers are updated • What you have as far as you know • What actions are you taking (are you going in?)

Assemble • A contact team for entry • May be just you or just you and another officer

Act • Take action • Stop the killing • Mitigate the threat

o If it is dynamic, consider slowing down and taking a breath o Radio channel should be restricted o What is the mission? o How can it best be accomplished? o Second shooter - second suspect

Rare, but needs to be considered o Improvised explosive devices

Be aware and be looking Ensure command post is clear

• When/If the threat is mitigated o Identify tasks o Prioritize tasks o Execute tasks o Identify areas to collect victims and/or witnesses o How can crowds be managed? o Establish roles and responsibilities o Identify safety corridors


Scenario 3 Unified Response This scenario opens with supervisors on scene of an active shooter and they are beginning to set up unified command. Law enforcement is inside the building and beginning to search for the suspect(s). The scenario highlights the beginning stages of this critical incident and demonstrates some of the initial considerations for incidents of this type. Rescue task forces, force protection, and a unified command are demonstrated in the early stages of implementation. Key learning points:

• Unified Response to violent incidents o Law enforcement o Fire o EMS

• Unified Command o Law enforcement, fire and EMS integration o Shoulder-to-shoulder for fire, law enforcement and EMS when possible o More effective and efficient response o Law enforcement needs to have a unified mission with fire o Law enforcement and fire can decide very quickly on common objectives o Better understanding of each other’s roles and responsibilities o Law enforcement interacting with fire sets up a true partnership and increases potential for a successful

outcome o Immediate sharing of critical information o Implementation of ICS will be critical o Can reinforce individual team mission and objectives o ICS needs to be implemented because there will be many resources committed to the incident o One supervisor to direct questions to and communicate with o Fire won’t be able to begin the job of rescuing victims until unified command has been established o Without unified command there would not likely be any clear information on warm zones and/or

establishment of rescue task forces • Law enforcement responsibilities

o Protection for fire, who will enter to aid victims? o Force protection o Rescue task force o Law enforcement might have the lead until the active shooter is mitigated o When the active shooter is mitigated, lead might transition to fire

• Communications Center responsibilities o Notify dispatch of the location o Notify dispatch of the title of the command o Dispatch has a point of contact with whom to share information o Talking in plain talk o Reduces miscommunication

• Mission is to locate victims and extricate them to a point where they can get medical attention


Scenario 4 Rescue and Medical Operations This segment depicts officers and fire personnel forming into rescue task forces with force protection. They conduct a quick briefing that reflects back on their original training. They then enter the building and begin to conduct triage on victims who have been injured. The rescue task force identifies a casualty collection point and discusses safety corridors in order to expedite getting treatment to victims and getting victims evacuated to definitive medical treatment. Key learning points:

• Pre-Brief o Between rescue task force and force protection personnel o Establishes and reinforces roles and responsibilities o Ensures all personnel are prepared prior to entry

• Safety corridor o Safe egress and ingress o Other teams can use this corridor to approach

• Rescue task force o Provides life-saving intervention o Point of wound care where victims are found o Fire needs to know they will be protected o Fire’s responsibility is to provide care o Law enforcement’s responsibility is to provide protection o Communicate this to EMS partner o Fire needs to focus on their task, as does law enforcement

• Force protection o Law enforcement o Focus is on protecting rescue task force

At a casualty collection point During entry and/or dynamic movement

• During the incident, there should be communication among members of the rescue task force o Discussion and decision on casualty collection points o Discussion on roles and responsibilities during entry o Identification of potential threat or victim identification by any member

• Casualty Collection Point (CCP) o Extraction point o Bring victims to this point when possible o Force protection is needed and should remain at this location o An area you can defend o You can have multiple CCP’s o The location of the shooter in relation to the CCP, should be known

• Private EMS can be used in rescue task force o Should be considered and invited to training as well

• Hartford Consensus o Joint committee to create policy that enhances survivability during a mass casualty incident o Provides a framework


o T.H.R.E.A.T. T - Threat Suppression

• Law enforcement’s job • Mitigate the shooter(s)

H - Hemorrhage Control • Stop the bleeding, stop the dying • This is law enforcement’s responsibility

RE - Rapid Extraction to safety • Formation of rescue task forces • Formation of rescue teams • Identification of casualty collection points

A - Assessment by medical providers • EMT and/or paramedic assessment

T - Transport • Get victims to a hospital or other definitive medical care • Where they can get surgical care if needed

• Hot, Warm and Cold Zones o Hot zone

Direct and immediate threat exists Shooter is actively engaged in killing or injuring Other type of threat - IED or other explosive device

o Warm zone The potential for a threat exists, but it is not direct or immediate Law enforcement has gone through and cleared the area Can be hot in an instant

o Cold zone No threat Staging Unified command post PIO Triage and treatment areas Transport areas

• Immediate application of first aid o Rather than waiting for the arrival of the paramedics o We're doing the right thing both legally as well as morally in dealing with the situation


Scenario 5 Managing the Ongoing Event This segment continues with the active shooter incident at Laurelle Enterprises and now demonstrates the transition of the incident into one of management and logistics. Emphasis is placed on crowd management, scene preservation, reunification, recovery and the aftermath. The scenario also demonstrates the importance of the role of the public information officer and highlights the importance of ensuring that all officers and victims have been accounted for.

Key learning points:

• Scope of Operation o Likely a very complex incident with many different aspects to it o Different disciplines as well

Law Fire EMS Public/Families

o One common mission o Should be run according to Incident Command System (ICS)

Consider ICS from the beginning Allows a more seamless transition into ICS as it grows

o Have one command in place that will allow it to grow and shrink as needed o Changing needs of the event as it progresses o Traffic Lanes

One single vehicle can block this for an extended period of time Consider assigning the task of ensuring clear ingress and egress Often overlooked Critically important for EMS and fire personnel - they have equipment and patient transport needs

o Addressing self-deployment Officers will take initiative Emphasize reporting to command Off-duty officers will self-deploy Other agencies will show up at the scene If there are no assignments, personnel will look for things to do Be prepared to have assignments for officers who arrive

• Scene Preservation o Ongoing criminal investigation o There may be more than one crime scene o Scene preservation

Law enforcement should make this a priority Fire may not place the same emphasis as law enforcement on this

o Transition from chaotic crime scene with fire involved to law enforcement lead on crime scene Witness statements Victim statements, possibly at hospital

o Officer involved shooting (OIS) element Scene preservation for an OIS is critical Management/treatment of officers involved in OIS is equally important

• Reunification/Recovery o For reunification, select a location as early as possible

Get the word out on this location


Away from the media and cameras Put the families in a secure place

o This is an attitude/behavior/cultural change for law enforcement o Community expectations

During training, community members should have been identified and included - they will help you now

The community will want immediate answers Dispatch and/or command post will be inundated with calls from citizens

• Dispatch should prepare for this when possible • If possible, set up a dedicated number for calls regarding this • Get this message out on recordings and to the media

Citizens will simply show up at the scene and will impact officers They may be panicked and demand entry or even push their way in Information dissemination across the board

o Statutory Enactment Marsy’s Law

• Law enforcement is required to provide information and assistance to victims • Informing the public/media

o Information management o Press will be on scene o Control what information gets out

• Aftermath o OIS

Management Handle as closely as possible as any other OIS Many more challenges with victims and EMS being removed Be prepared for when scene is released

o Site cleanup o Providing behavioral support

• Employees/victims at crime scene o Community may be affected as well o All first responders o Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)

Helps get employees through critical incidents Ensure employees know about this Ensure employees know how to get this Clergy or chaplain programs are invaluable during these incidents Two-thirds of first responders that entered the Sandy Hook school shooting scene went out on

stress disability o Ensure officers are not forgotten on perimeter posts o Long-term relief for perimeter, both inner and outer o Don’t leave post unless relieved or dismissed


Expanded Content Guide

Scenario 1 Integrated Training This segment opens with an in-progress incident that appears to be an active shooter. The segment portrays the actual shooter, victims still inside, and officers making entry to the building. Additional scenes depict the command post as well as victims being triaged outside. This is a multi-agency cooperative incident that is ultimately revealed to be a realistic and very complex training exercise.

• AB1598 o Legislative intent to require fire, law enforcement and emergency medical services agencies to collaborate

on training programs for “active shooter incidents.” o Also requires POST guidelines and training standards to address tactical casualty care and coordination

with EMS providers. • Preparation

o There is a great deal that can be learned simply from the planning of a multi-agency, collaborative training event

o Fire and law enforcement can identify potential targets and conduct training at those locations o One should at least attempt to identify and scout those locations o Communications challenges

Prepare for these Realistic training will offer the opportunity to identify challenges in communications Radio frequencies will likely be different among all first responders

• It may be that some first responders do not have any common radio frequencies and cannot communicate over the radio

• Training will identify this and solutions can determined before an actual event Fire, EMS and law enforcement sometimes speak different languages on the radio; prepare and

train for this o Law enforcement should have a “go bag”

Should contain what you need to sustain yourself for an extended time. Items to consider: • Water • Energy bars • Ammo • Personal needs • Medications/basic aid supplies

Maybe enough to sustain others as well Balancing act, enough but not too much

o Identify resources needed when it is a controlled environment Mall security Private EMS Other security agencies

o Know what you have ahead of time o Collaborative training builds and/or enhances relationships among agencies o Allows an understanding of each other’s roles and responsibilities o Learn each other’s abilities and equipment capabilities


• Training o Make it as real as possible o Prepares personnel for the tragedy they will see in a real event o Lessens the impact or shock o Realistic training enhances safety for all at an actual incident o Should highlight strengths, but should also identify weaknesses o Should be done intensely and repeatedly o Conduct it often enough that it should always be recent training o People who do the work need to work side-by-side in realistic scenarios o Have the proper equipment and know how to use it o Your main focus should be to learn what role you would play as a first responder

• Coordination o Establish hot, warm, cold zones o Victim reunification o Establish clear rules of engagement o Co-locating a command post o Fire will have plans/layouts of building o Fire has information on buildings that law enforcement often does not have o Expect multi-agency responses

Additional learning points:

• Importance/influence of time o It is the reason for integration o Need to accelerate response time o Need to get treatment and aid to the victims sooner

• Mitigate the shooter (take into custody, isolate, neutralize) • Simultaneous goal is to save lives • Can identify potential shortfalls in available equipment and identify work-around solutions • CDAC

o Curriculum Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) o Part of POST training o Provides advice on the development of terrorism awareness course curricula and response training

• Common language when working with other agencies o Define terminology, i.e. zones, indirect/direct threat, force protection etc. and how to communicate that o CCP-casualty collection point o Warm and cold zones o Rescue task force o Force protection

• Consider including key community members during training; they can assist in victim reunification during an actual incident

Suggested facilitation questions and common responses:

• Why does law enforcement need to train collaboratively with fire personnel for an active shooter incident? o AB1598

Legislative intent to require, fire, law enforcement and emergency medical services agencies to collaborate on training programs for “active shooter incidents.”

Also requires POST guidelines and training standards to address tactical casualty care and coordination with EMS providers

Collaborative training builds and/or enhances relationships between agencies Allows an understanding of each other’s roles and responsibilities


• What are some of the communication challenges agencies can expect when conducting multi-agency, realistic training?

o Realistic training will offer the opportunity to identify challenges in communications o Radio frequencies will likely be different among all first responders o It may be that some first responders do not have any common radio frequencies and cannot communicate

over the radio o Training will identify this and solutions determined before an actual event o Fire, EMS and law enforcement sometimes speak different languages on the radio - prepare and train for

this o Need a common language when working with other agencies o Define terminology, i.e. zones, indirect/ direct threat, force protection etc. and how to communicate that o We need to close the gap of communication (hot, cold, warm zones) in Active Shooter situations

• What are some of the reasons to conduct training in a realistic manner?

o Prepares personnel for the tragedy they will see in a real event o Lessens the impact or shock o Realistic training enhances safety for all at an actual incident o Should highlight strengths, but should also identify weaknesses o Should be done intensely and repeatedly o Conduct it often enough that it should always be recent training o People who do the work need to work side-by-side in realistic scenarios o Have the proper equipment and know how to use it o Main focus should be to learn what role you would play as a first responder

Suggested learning activity: Divide the class into small groups of three to six per group. The following scenarios may be used for three groups and can be slightly altered and then assigned to larger classes with additional groups:

1. Ask one group to come up with ideas for how to make an active shooter training scenario as realistic as possible.

2. Another group can be assigned to identify the communications challenges that will likely surface during a multi-agency training scenario for an active shooter.

3. Assign another group the task of listing the impact of AB1598 on their own jurisdiction.


Scenario 2 Initial Response This segment depicts law enforcement officers being dispatched to a report of shots fired inside a business. As officers arrive, they quickly debrief a witness and do a quick assessment of the scene. When shots are heard from inside the building, the officers must make a decision on whether immediate entry is warranted. Key learning points:

• Human factors/Stress management o CHAOS - Changes dynamics and thought pattern of individuals o Once “active shooter” is spoken, it can cause physiological changes o Slow down, calm down, take a breath o Think, look, listen o All active shooter incidents are different o Some can be calm and quiet o You may be walking into what is an apparent shooting situation o Possible physiological reactions

Adrenaline Tunnel vision High level of stress Increase in heart rate/blood pressure Potential for limited hearing

• Approach o Plain clothes

Proper uniform marking Easily identifiable Communication among different agencies

o Process information in front of you, need to gather intelligence o Make keen, sound, tactical decisions o First officer on scene

What do you have? What needs to be done? What resources do you need to get it done?

o If you’re there and shots are fired, what decision do you make? o Should you go in? o Solo officer? o How many officers do you need or do you have? o Individual decision o Not just a decision on whether you are going in, but also HOW you are going in

• Prioritization o The Four A’s

Assess • Active shooter or barricaded suspect • What do you have?

Announce • Over radio so all officers are updated • What you have as far as you know • What actions are you taking (are you going in?)


Assemble

• A contact team for entry • May be just you or just you and another officer

Act • Take action • Stop the killing • Mitigate the threat

o If it is dynamic, consider slowing down and taking a breath o Radio channel should be restricted o What is the mission? o How can it best be accomplished o Second shooter-second suspect

Rare, but needs to be considered o Improvised explosive devices

Be aware and be looking Ensure command post is clear

• When/If the threat is mitigated o Identify tasks o Prioritize tasks o Execute tasks o Identify areas to collect victims and/or witnesses o How can crowds be managed? o Establish roles and responsibilities o Identify safety corridors


• Phases o Phase 1-Mitigating the shooter(s) o Phase 2-Fire/EMS integration

Warm zone establishment Safety corridor establishment

o Try to identify parts of the building for other officers arriving o ABCD side/north south

Suggested facilitation questions and common responses: What are some of the human factors that should be considered in an active shooter incident?

• CHAOS - Changes dynamics and thought pattern of individuals • Once “active shooter” is spoken, it can cause physiological changes • Slow down, calm down, take a breath • Think, look, listen • All active shooter incidents are different • Some can be calm and quiet • You may be walking into what is an apparent shooting situation • Possible physiological reactions

o Adrenaline o Tunnel vision o High level of stress o Increase in heart rate/blood pressure o Potential for limited hearing


If a plain-clothes officer arrives on the scene of an active shooter, what are some important considerations for identification of this officer?

• Proper uniform marking • Easily identifiable • Communication among different agencies

When on the scene of an active shooter incident, what are the four “A”s of prioritization of the incident?

• Assess o Active shooter or barricaded suspect o What do you have?

• Announce o Over radio so all officers are updated o What you have as far as you know o What actions are you taking (are you going in?)

• Assemble o A contact team for entry o May be just you or just you and another officer

• Act o Take action o Stop the killing o Mitigate the threat


1. Ask one group to identify some of the human factors to consider for a first responder at an active shooter incident.

2. Another group can be assigned the task of listing methods to prioritize the actions for those law enforcement officers who are first on scene.

3. Assign another group the task of listing important considerations for those officers who are first on scene as they approach the location of an active shooter incident.


Scenario 3 Unified Response This scenario opens with supervisors on scene of an active shooter and they are beginning to set up unified command. Law enforcement is inside the building and beginning to search for the suspect(s). The scenario highlights the beginning stages of this critical incident and demonstrates some of the initial considerations for incidents of this type. Rescue task forces, force protection, and a unified command are demonstrated in the early stages of implementation. Key learning points:

• Unified Response to violent incidents o Law enforcement o Fire o EMS

• Unified Command o Law enforcement, fire and EMS integration o Shoulder-to-shoulder for fire, law enforcement, and EMS when possible o More effective and efficient response o Law enforcement needs to have a unified mission with fire o Law enforcement and fire can decide very quickly on common objectives o Better understanding of each other’s roles and responsibilities o Law enforcement interacting with fire sets up a true partnership and increases potential for a successful

outcome o Immediate sharing of critical information o Implementation of ICS will be critical o Can reinforce individual team mission and objectives o ICS needs to be implemented because there will be many resources committed to the incident o One supervisor to direct questions to and communicate with o Fire won’t be able to begin the job of rescuing victims until unified command has been established o Without unified command there would not likely be any clear information on warm zones and/or

establishment of rescue task forces • Law enforcement responsibilities

o Protection for fire, who will enter to aid victims? o Force protection o Rescue task force o Law enforcement might have the lead until the active shooter is mitigated o When the active shooter is mitigated, lead might transition to fire

• Communications Center responsibilities o Notify dispatch of the location o Notify dispatch of the title of the command o Dispatch has a point of contact with whom to share information o Talking in plain talk o Reduces miscommunication

• Mission is to locate victims and extricate them to a point where they can get medical attention



• Command and Control and ICS o Even at beginning stages, work toward an ICS implementation

Incident commander (IC) is identified Notifications are made for IC change Helps to clarify responsibilities and duties

Suggested facilitation questions and common responses:

• A unified response to critical incidents should include what agencies or entities? o Law enforcement o Fire o EMS

• What are some of the benefits to a unified command?

o More effective and efficient response o Law enforcement and fire can decide very quickly on common objectives o Better understanding of each other’s roles and responsibilities o Law enforcement interacting with fire sets up a true partnership and increases potential for a successful

outcome o Immediate sharing of critical information o Can reinforce what individual team missions and objectives are o One supervisor to direct questions to and communicate with o Fire won’t be able to begin the job of rescuing victims until unified command has been established o Without unified command there would not likely be any clear information on warm zones and/or

establishment of rescue task forces Suggested learning activity: Divide the class into small groups of three to six per group. The following scenarios may be used for three groups and can be slightly altered and then assigned to larger classes with additional groups:

1. Ask one group to identify some of the reasons why it is so important to establish a unified command at an active shooter incident.

2. Another group can be assigned the task of listing important responsibilities of a Communications Center during an active shooter incident.

3. Assign another group the task of listing the responsibilities of law enforcement at an active shooter incident.


Scenario 4 Rescue and Medical Operations This segment depicts officers and fire personnel forming into rescue task forces with force protection. They conduct a quick briefing that reflects back on their original training. They then enter the building and begin to conduct triage on victims who have been injured. The rescue task force identifies a casualty collection point and discusses safety corridors in order to expedite getting treatment to victims and getting victims evacuated to definitive medical treatment. Key learning points:

• Pre-Brief o Between rescue task force and force protection personnel o Establishes and reinforces roles and responsibilities o Ensures all personnel are prepared prior to entry

• Safety corridor o Safe egress and ingress o Other teams can use this corridor to approach

• Rescue task force o Provides life-saving intervention o Point of wound care where victims are found o Fire needs to know they will be protected o Fire’s responsibility is to provide care o Law enforcement’s responsibility is to provide protection o Communicate this to EMS partner o Fire needs to focus on their task as does law enforcement

• Force protection o Law enforcement o Focus is on protecting rescue task force

At a casualty collection point During entry and/or dynamic movement

• During the incident, there should be communication among members of the rescue task force o Discussion and decision on casualty collection points o Discussion on roles and responsibilities during entry o Identification by any member of potential threat or victim identification

• Casualty collection point (CCP) o Extraction point o Bring victims to this point when possible o Force protection is needed and should remain at this location o An area you can defend o You can have multiple CCP’s o The location of the shooter in relation to the CCP should be known

• Private EMS can be used in rescue task force o Should be considered and invited to training as well

• Hartford Consensus o Joint committee to create policy that enhances survivability during a mass casualty incident o Provides a framework


o T.H.R.E.A.T. T - Threat Suppression

• Law enforcement’s job • Mitigate the shooter(s)

H - Hemorrhage Control • Stop the bleeding, stop the dying • This is law enforcement’s responsibility

RE - Rapid Extraction to safety • Formation of rescue task forces • Formation of rescue teams • Identification of casualty collection points

A - Assessment by medical providers • EMT and/or paramedic assessment

T - Transport • Get victims to a hospital or other definitive medical care • Where they can get surgical care if needed

• Hot, Warm and Cold Zones o Hot zone

Direct and immediate threat exists Shooter is actively engaged in killing or injuring Other type of threat IED or other explosive device

o Warm zone The potential for a threat exists, but it is not direct or immediate Law enforcement has gone through and cleared the area Can be hot in an instant

o Cold zone No threat Staging Unified command post PIO Triage and treatment areas Transport areas

• Immediate application of first aid o Rather than waiting for the arrival of the paramedics o We're doing the right thing both legally as well as morally in dealing with the situation


• TEMS - Tactical Emergency Medical Support o State of CA Emergency Medical Services Authority

In 2014, revised the public safety first aid training standards To reflect the changing paradigm of the threat to ourselves and to the public of active shooters or

violent multi-casualty incidents • Mass-Casualty Incidents are dealt with very well by Fire

o Fire is very organized and has very good plans to deal with these o Law enforcement should rely on the people who do this on a regular basis


• Fire is going to do two things o Respond a number of resources to deal with the reported number of casualties o Coordinate with a local trauma centers to identify the number of beds available and the number of

medical specialists available. • Mass-Casualty Incident (MCI)

o The goal of triage in an MCI is to do the most amount of good for the most amount of people o Firefighters or paramedics are trained to triage or sort through patients based on their level of injury o Law enforcement officers should not simply take victims to the nearest hospital

That may not be the best hospital for their type of injury They may not have the specialists or the space to accommodate that person By coordinating with fire, law enforcement will ensure the survival of the victims on scene to the

best of their ability Suggested facilitation questions and common responses: The Hartford Consensus acronym T.H.R.E.A.T describes a needed response framework to an active shooter incident. What does the acronym stand for?

• T - Threat Suppression o Law enforcement’s job o Mitigate the shooter(s)

• H - Hemorrhage Control o Stop the bleeding, stop the dying o This is law enforcement’s responsibility too

• RE - Rapid Extraction to safety o Formation of rescue task forces o Formation of rescue teams o Identification of casualty collection points

• A - Assessment by medical providers o EMT and/or paramedic assessment

• T - Transport o Get them to a hospital or other definitive medical care o Where they can get surgical care if needed

What are the responsibilities of a rescue task force?

• Provides life-saving intervention • Point of wound care where victims are found • Fire needs to know they will be protected • Fire’s responsibility is to provide care • Law enforcements’ responsibility is to provide protection • This needs to be communicated to EMS partner • Fire needs to focus on their task as does law enforcement

Describe the characteristics of a hot zone, warm zone and cold zone.

• Hot zone o Direct and immediate threat exists o Shooter is actively engaged in killing or injuring o Other type of threat o IED or other explosive device


• Warm zone The potential for a threat exists, but it is not direct or immediate Law enforcement has gone through and cleared the area Can be hot in an instant

• Cold zone o No threat o Staging o Unified command post o PIO o Triage and treatment areas o Transport areas

Scenario 5 Managing the Ongoing Event This segment continues with the active shooter incident at Laurelle Enterprises and now demonstrates the transition of the incident into one of management and logistics. Emphasis is placed on crowd management, scene preservation, reunification, recovery and the aftermath. The scenario also demonstrates the importance of the role of the public information officer and highlights the importance of ensuring that all officers and victims have been accounted for. Key learning points:

• Scope of Operation o Likely a very complex incident with many different aspects to it o Different disciplines as well

Law Fire EMS Public/Families

o One common mission o Should be run according to Incident Command System (ICS)

Consider ICS from the beginning Allows a more seamless transition into ICS as it grows

o Have one command in place that will allow it to grow and shrink as needed o Changing needs of the event as it progresses o Traffic Lanes

One single vehicle can block this for an extended period of time Consider assigning the task of ensuring clear ingress and egress Often overlooked Critically important for EMS and fire personnel - they have equipment and patient transport needs

o Addressing self-deployment Officers will take initiative Emphasize reporting to command Off-duty officers will self-deploy Other agencies will show up at the scene If there are no assignments, personnel will look for things to do Be prepared to have assignments for officers who arrive

• Scene Preservation o Ongoing criminal investigation o There may be more than one crime scene


o Scene preservation Law enforcement should make this a priority Fire may not place the same emphasis as law enforcement on this

o Transition from chaotic crime scene with fire involved to law enforcement lead on crime scene Witness statements Victim statements, possibly at hospital

o Officer involved shooting (OIS) element Scene preservation for an OIS is critical Management/treatment of officers involved in OIS is equally important

• Reunification/Recovery o For reunification select a location as early as possible

Get the word out on this location Away from the media and cameras Put the families in a secure place

o This is an attitude/behavior/cultural change for law enforcement o Community expectations

During training, community members should have been identified and included - they will help you now

The community will want immediate answers Dispatch and/or command post will be inundated with calls from citizens

• Dispatch should prepare for this when possible • If possible, set up a dedicated number for calls regarding this • Get this message out on recordings and to the media

Citizens will simply show up at the scene and will impact officers They may be panicked and demand entry or even push their way in Information dissemination across the board

o Statutory Enactment Marsy’s Law

• Law enforcement is required to provide information and assistance to victims • Informing the public/media

o Information management o Press will be on scene o Control what information gets out

• Aftermath o OIS

Management Handle as closely as possible as any other OIS Many more challenges with victims and EMS being removed Be prepared for when scene is released

o Site cleanup o Providing behavioral support

• Employees/victims at crime scene o Community may be affected as well o All first responders o Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)

Helps get employees through critical incidents Ensure employees know about this Ensure employees know how to get this Clergy or chaplain programs are invaluable during these incidents Two-thirds of first responders who entered the Sandy Hook school shooting scene went out on

stress disability


o Ensure officers are not forgotten on perimeter posts o Long-term relief for perimeter, both inner and outer o Don’t leave post unless relieved or dismissed


• Remember the Mission: Ego and Emotion can take over • Debriefing

o What did we do right? o More important to talk about what we did wrong o We need to learn from this o Make sure weaknesses aren’t weaknesses next time and that strengths are even stronger

Suggested facilitation questions and common responses: Why is it important to consider traffic lanes at the scene of an active shooter or mass casualty incident?

• One single vehicle can block this for an extended period of time • Consider assigning the task of ensuring clear ingress and egress • Often overlooked • Critically important for EMS and fire personnel - they have equipment and patient transport needs

What are some of the community’s expectations that law enforcement must consider during an active shooter or mass casualty incident?

• During training, community members should have been identified and included - they will help you now • The community will want immediate answers • Dispatch and/or command post will be inundated with calls from citizens

o Dispatch should prepare for this when possible o If possible, set up a dedicated number for calls regarding this o Get this message out on recordings and to the media

• Citizens will simply show up at the scene and will impact officers • They may be panicked and demand entry or even push their way in • Information dissemination across the board


1. Ask one group to identify why critical incident stress management should be considered during an active shooter or mass casualty incident.

2. Ask another group to list the expectations the community will likely have during a mass casualty or active shooter incident.

3. Another group should determine and list reasons why self-deployment of officers is an issue that should be considered and handled before and during a mass casualty or active shooter incident.

Conclusion This facilitation guide provides information needed to assist the instructor in delivering an interactive and goal-oriented training session. After completing this course, students should have general and specific information regarding the training for and preparation for an active shooter or mass casualty event. Students should be able to identify the statutory requirements for collaborative training and collaborative response to these incidents as well as the importance of all first responders understanding each other’s responsibilities during one of these incidents.


Student Study Guide – Answer Key A blank copy of the Student Study Guide is attached as a separate document for individual viewers wishing to work with the agency designated trainer or supervisor for POST CPT credit. This is not a formal testing tool. Although sample answers are listed below, there are sometimes additional correct answers with which a student may respond. All answers should be evaluated by the trainer. The following answers match the video content and are listed for general guidance. What is the intent and/or focus of Assembly Bill 1598? B A. Medical personnel must be trained in how to respond to an active shooter incident. B. Collaborative protocols and relationships must be developed between law enforcement, fire

and emergency medical services. C. Fire personnel should learn how to co-locate a unified command D. Law enforcement will gain a better understanding of how to identify potential locations of active

shooter incidents.

At an active shooter incident, what are some of the physiological reactions a law enforcement officer might experience? D A. Tunnel vision B. Increased heart rate C. Adrenaline surge D. All of the above E. B and C only At an active shooter incident, the concept known as “The Four A’s” is best described by which of the following answers? C A. Assess, Anticipate, Announce, Arrest B. Arrive, Announce, Act, Arrest C. Assess, Announce, Assemble, Act D. Arrive, Assess, Announce, Act What is the main responsibility of a force protection team? D A. Provide perimeter security for the entire incident B. Provide security for the reunification point C. Enter and mitigate the shooter D. Provide security for the rescue task force as they enter the incident In a unified command situation at an active shooter incident, the lead would belong to whom? C A. Fire incident commander B. Law enforcement incident commander C. It is fluid and can transition from one agency to the other as needed D. It belongs to whichever incident commander arrives on scene first and establishes command


Which of the following is a benefit gained from co-locating a unified command during a mass casualty or active shooter event? E A. A more effective and more efficient response B. Direct, face-to-face communication between Fire and law enforcement C. Little or no miscommunication D. Accurate and immediate sharing of information E. All of the above F. A, B and D only In a mass casualty incident, a rescue task force consists of force protection AND which of the following? D A. EMS personnel B. Fire personnel C. EMS personnel AND fire personnel D. Any combination of EMS personnel and/or fire personnel

Describe the characteristics of a warm zone as it relates to an active shooter incident. There is no direct or immediate threat. Law enforcement has cleared the area initially. You’re not in imminent danger, but it is still a dangerous area. It can become a hot zone in an instant. Why is it NOT recommended for law enforcement to transport a victim to a hospital without having coordinated this transport? D A. It may not be the best hospital for the type of injury to the victim B. They may not have the specialist available for the type of injury the victim sustained C. They may not have the bed space or personnel available D. All of the above During an active shooter incident, one of the critically important considerations is the establishment of a reunification location for family members. Answer True

Documents

Active Shooter Facilitators Guide 12-18-15 LE DW final