What is the primary goal when responding to an active shooter situation?

The primary goal when responding to an active shooter situation is to stop the killing. This objective is crucial because active shooter events are characterized by fast-paced violence that can result in significant loss of life within a short period. The immediate focus is therefore on neutralizing the threat in order to prevent further harm to potential victims.

In such scenarios, law enforcement and first responders are trained to prioritize actions that will incapacitate the shooter as quickly as possible. This proactive approach minimizes the casualty count and is essential for safeguarding those who may still be in harm's way. Once the immediate threat is neutralized, other critical actions, such as establishing a perimeter or providing medical assistance, can follow. However, these actions are secondary to the imperative of stopping the ongoing violence.

While establishing a perimeter and providing medical assistance are also important in the broader response to an active shooter incident, they are not the primary objective during the chaos when lives are at immediate risk. Negotiating with the shooter, while a method used in certain situations, is less applicable in an active shooter scenario where immediate action is necessary to halt violence.