What type of equipment should responders wear at the scene of an active shooter?

When responding to an active shooter incident, the selection of equipment is critical for the safety of first responders. Protective gloves are essential for health and hygiene, while traffic safety vests are useful for visibility in certain situations. However, in an active shooter scenario, the most crucial form of protection is body armor. Body armor is specifically designed to protect the responder from potential gunfire and is a vital piece of equipment in situations where there is an active threat.

Traffic safety vests, while useful for visibility during roadside incidents or at events, do not offer the level of protection needed in a firearm-related incident. Responders are expected to face uncertain and life-threatening situations, making body armor an essential tool to enhance their safety and efficacy in responding to the crisis. Helmets also provide critical protection against head injuries that could occur in such chaotic environments, but body armor offers more comprehensive protection against ballistic threats.

The emphasis on wearing body armor reflects the serious nature of an active shooter response, where mitigating risk to personal safety is paramount to effectively managing the incident and helping victims.