What is the protocol for scene management during an active shooter situation?

In an active shooter situation, the highest priority is ensuring the safety of both the EMS personnel and the victims involved. The correct answer emphasizes a systematic approach to managing the scene. First, securing safety is critical; emergency responders must assess the situation to avoid putting themselves at further risk. Following this, performing triage is crucial to identify and prioritize victims based on the severity of their injuries, allowing for the most efficient allocation of resources and care.

Providing care while awaiting law enforcement is another vital component of this protocol. In such dynamic and potentially hazardous situations, the presence of law enforcement is essential to secure the area and ensure the safety of responders. However, EMS personnel are trained to provide necessary medical assistance to victims as soon as it’s safe to do so, rather than waiting passively for law enforcement to clear the area first.

This approach balances the immediate need for medical care with the realities of an ongoing threat, allowing EMS to play an active role in saving lives while also being mindful of the risks involved. Other options, like securing evidence before care or focusing solely on evacuation or transportation, do not adequately address the immediate need for medical intervention in a life-threatening scenario.