This is part 2 of a 3-part series on our Active Threat Preparedness methodology.
Why Action Doesn’t Stop After a Threat Is Neutralized
Imagine an active shooter threat scenario. First responders rush to the scene. Corporate security personnel coordinate with them, working in tandem to neutralize the threat as quickly as possible. Once the active threat is eliminated, is it time to declare “Mission Accomplished”?
No.
Too many active shooter response training courses focus solely on this first step of neutralizing the threat. But the reality is that there’s much more to be done to save lives.
Tomahawk’s mission is to help build safer communities through preparation and education. Our philosophy is built on the understanding that threat preparedness is a multi-step process. In our first article in this series on active threat preparedness, we covered the myriad trainings that instruct first responders and security personnel how to respond to an active shooter threat. In this article, we’ll focus on what’s often overlooked: what to do after the threat is eliminated.
Simplifying chaos after the mission is part of the mission
Once a threat is eliminated, it’s not the time to exhale. An active shooter situation inevitably leaves chaos in its wake. It is the job of first responders and security personnel to navigate this challenging environment. What are the stakes? As Tomahawk instructors say, “The dying doesn’t end after the threat is eliminated.” That’s why training for this post-threat chaos is absolutely essential for maximizing safety and minimizing casualties.
Building repeatable standard operating procedures
A comprehensive post-threat response is built on a foundation of well-trained SOPs. These are some of the key elements of post-threat preparedness that are often overlooked:
- Holding areas of strategic importance — Being able to maintain a closed scene is critical, ensuring that first responders and medical personnel have a means to quickly access the injured, as well as a secure area from which to operate.
- Medical triage and treatment — In the aftermath of an active shooter threat, medics must triage and provide on-site medical care. Medical personnel need to know where to find all possible victims, and provide lifesaving care as quickly as possible.
- Searching the premises — After a threat is neutralized, officers and security personnel must undertake a sweeping search of the premises to ensure there is no additional threat and to account for all employees. This goes hand in hand with the all-important marshalling process, ensuring that employees are evacuated in an efficient and safe manner, without exposure to further risk. Time is of the essence.
These protocols and procedures shouldn’t be thought of as discrete tasks. Instead, they are essential logistical processes that together form a comprehensive post-threat protocol.
A comprehensive Tactics & Communications course
Tomahawk’s Tactics & Communications course is designed to teach responding officers, supervisors, and central command communications personnel how to effectively work together and accomplish these critical secondary tasks after a threat is eliminated. Communication between these disparate groups is essential for an efficient threat response. That’s why our training specifically trains all responders together in a setting, so each team knows their role and can quickly act to save lives.
To learn more about this training and how it can support your department’s long-term safety and preparedness, contact us today.
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