Why might it be important to differentiate between primary, secondary, and tertiary callers?

Differentiating between primary, secondary, and tertiary callers is essential for efficiently allocating resources and responses during an active shooter incident. The primary caller is typically the one who witnesses the event firsthand or is directly involved, providing critical and immediate information to responders. In contrast, secondary and tertiary callers may have varying degrees of information, ranging from relayed accounts to hearsay.

By categorizing callers, responders can prioritize information based on its reliability and relevance. The primary caller's information will guide initial tactical decisions and resource deployment, while secondary and tertiary callers can provide supplementary context that helps paint a fuller picture of the situation. This structured approach ensures responders can act swiftly and effectively, thereby enhancing the overall response effort and potentially saving lives.