What is the role of a rescue team during an active shooter incident?

The role of a rescue team during an active shooter incident primarily involves the responsibility of fire personnel who treat and evacuate potential victims from the warm zone. This warm zone is an area that has been deemed relatively safer than the hot zone, where direct gunfire is active, but still poses some risk. The rescue team's critical task is to quickly assess injured individuals, provide essential medical care, and evacuate them to safety as swiftly as possible.

This function is crucial, as timely medical intervention can significantly improve survival outcomes for victims. Moreover, the presence of a designated rescue team allows law enforcement to focus on neutralizing the threat, while the rescue team manages the medical aspects to ensure that those who are injured receive the care they need without unnecessary delay.

In contrast, securing the perimeter, engaging with the shooter, or handling the deceased are all roles that fall to other specialized teams, each with distinct objectives and responsibilities in the coordinated response to such high-stress incidents.