Active Shooter Medical Emergencies Flashcards

A Fire Life Safety Director witnesses a victim collapse from a gunshot wound to the abdomen. No tourniquet is applicable. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Answer: Apply firm direct pressure with a clean cloth and maintain it continuously

For abdominal wounds where a tourniquet cannot be used, applying and maintaining firm direct pressure is the most effective hemorrhage control method available.

Under the 'Protect' component of the ALICE active shooter protocol, which medical consideration is most important for the Fire Life Safety Director?

Answer: Position barricaded individuals away from doors to reduce injury if the door is breached

During barricade (Protect), positioning people away from doors reduces injury risk from ballistic penetration or forced entry.

Which statement about using a belt as an improvised tourniquet during an active shooter medical emergency is correct?

Answer: A belt is generally less effective than a commercial tourniquet but may be used as a last resort

Belts are less reliable than commercial tourniquets because they are difficult to tighten sufficiently, but they may be used when no commercial device is available.

When escorting first responders to casualties during an active shooter event, what information should the Fire Life Safety Director provide about wounded victims first?

Answer: Number of casualties, location, and severity of injuries

First responders prioritize knowing how many casualties there are, where they are located, and the severity of injuries to allocate resources effectively.

A victim of an active shooter incident has an open chest wound (sucking chest wound). What is the correct field treatment before EMS arrival?

Answer: Apply a vented chest seal or improvised occlusive dressing taped on three sides

A vented chest seal or three-sided occlusive dressing allows air to escape on exhalation while preventing air entry, reducing the risk of tension pneumothorax.

After an active shooter is neutralized, EMS establishes a casualty collection point (CCP). What is the Fire Life Safety Director's primary role at this stage?

Answer: Direct building occupants and non-medical staff away from the CCP to prevent congestion

The Fire Life Safety Director should keep non-essential personnel clear of the CCP so EMS can work efficiently without obstruction.

A person who witnessed an active shooter event is conscious, uninjured physically, but is hyperventilating and unresponsive to verbal commands. The Fire Life Safety Director should:

Answer: Calmly guide the person to breathe slowly and move them to a quieter area if safe

Calm verbal guidance and moving the person to a less stimulating environment can help regulate breathing and reduce acute stress response.