What is one responsibility of the fire department during an active shooter incident?

The responsibility of containing and neutralizing threats during an active shooter incident is often managed by law enforcement rather than the fire department. However, the fire department plays a crucial role in supporting the overall response to such situations. Their primary focus in an active shooter scenario revolves around ensuring the safety of victims, facilitating medical assistance, and securing the incident area for further emergency services.

In the context of an active shooter situation, the fire department's main responsibilities include preparing to provide emergency medical support once the situation is secure, ensuring that any fire-related hazards are managed, and coordinating with law enforcement to safely navigate the area. While their focus isn’t on direct confrontation with the shooter, they are integral in responding to emergencies that may arise from the incident, such as fires or evacuations related to the crisis.

Other responsibilities, such as evacuating the entire area or providing medical assistance first, typically fall under the jurisdiction of law enforcement procedures or emergency medical services. Reporting incidents to local authorities is also essential but does not fall specifically under the fire department's purview in this context; it is generally part of the broader emergency response protocols established in such incidents.