During an active shooter incident, what action should responders be prepared to take regarding incident scale?

Responders during an active shooter incident must be prepared to manage the situation effectively, which includes assessing the scale of the incident accurately. The correct approach is to request a full-scale incident response initially, which allows responders to mobilize all necessary resources and personnel to address a potentially chaotic and critical situation.

Starting with a full-scale response ensures that all available units, specialized teams, and equipment can be deployed to the scene, helping to contain the threat and support any victims. This perspective allows for flexibility; if it turns out the situation is less severe than anticipated, resources can be downgraded accordingly. This methodical escalation prevents the risks associated with underestimating the incident's severity and ensures that responders are fully equipped to handle emergencies that could evolve rapidly.

In contrast, other approaches that only call for additional resources without a full assessment, escalate immediately without verification, or maintain the status quo could lead to insufficient response capabilities, delayed aid to victims, or an inability to control the situation effectively as it develops.