FLSD Active Shooter Medical Emergencies 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: 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?
- Apply firm direct pressure with a clean cloth and maintain it continuously (Correct answer)
- Irrigate the wound with water to reduce infection risk
- Apply a tourniquet around the torso
- Leave the wound uncovered to monitor bleeding
Correct 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.
Question 2: Under the 'Protect' component of the ALICE active shooter protocol, which medical consideration is most important for the Fire Life Safety Director?
- Ensure all medications are stored in a central location
- Position barricaded individuals away from doors to reduce injury if the door is breached (Correct answer)
- Administer CPR to all barricaded individuals as a precaution
- Unlock all exits to facilitate EMS access
Correct 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.
Question 3: Which statement about using a belt as an improvised tourniquet during an active shooter medical emergency is correct?
- A belt is equally effective as a commercial tourniquet and preferred by EMS
- A belt is generally less effective than a commercial tourniquet but may be used as a last resort (Correct answer)
- A belt should never be used because it causes nerve damage
- A belt is preferred for junctional wounds over hemostatic gauze
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.
Question 4: When escorting first responders to casualties during an active shooter event, what information should the Fire Life Safety Director provide about wounded victims first?
- Number of casualties, location, and severity of injuries (Correct answer)
- Names and employee ID numbers of all victims
- Insurance and emergency contact details
- A description of the shooter's last known location only
Correct 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.
Question 5: A victim of an active shooter incident has an open chest wound (sucking chest wound). What is the correct field treatment before EMS arrival?
- Pack the wound tightly with dry gauze to seal the opening
- Apply a vented chest seal or improvised occlusive dressing taped on three sides (Correct answer)
- Apply an airtight occlusive dressing taped on all four sides immediately
- Leave the wound open to prevent tension pneumothorax
Correct 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.
Question 6: 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?
- Begin performing surgical procedures on critically injured victims
- Direct building occupants and non-medical staff away from the CCP to prevent congestion (Correct answer)
- Administer IV fluids from the building's first aid supplies
- Assume command of all EMS personnel on scene
Correct 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.
Question 7: 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:
- Restrain the person forcefully to prevent self-harm
- Calmly guide the person to breathe slowly and move them to a quieter area if safe (Correct answer)
- Administer oxygen from the building's emergency supply immediately
- Leave the person alone as psychological reactions are outside the Fire Life Safety Director's scope
Correct 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.
FLSD Active Shooter Medical Emergencies 5
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?