Podcasts

Episode Summary

The response to active shooter incidents outdoors—such as at parks, concerts, or large public events—is fundamentally the same, but more difficult due to limited cover, unpredictable crowd movement, and challenges with securing perimeters and access for emergency vehicles. Pre-planning, clear interagency communication, flexibility are key. Today’s podcast covers these topics and more.

Episode Notes

Episode 115 of the Active Shooter Incident Management Podcast focuses on how first responders deal with active shooter threats that happen outdoors, like at concerts, fairs, parks, or theme parks. The host, Bill Godfrey, talks with experts from law enforcement and fire/EMS about what makes these outdoor incidents different and more challenging than those inside buildings.

Main Points:

• Outdoor active shooter events are harder to manage because there is less cover and the area is much bigger. Responders have to think about where crowds gather, how big the crowd might be, and where an attacker could strike. Planning ahead is very important, including working with venue staff and making sure everyone knows the emergency plan.
• The team discusses the difficulties of providing cover in outdoor environments that face threats like vehicle ramming or IEDs, highlighting the importance of area denial, physical barriers (such as movable trucks or fire trucks), and deploying quick reaction forces.
• For fire and EMS, it’s important to figure out how ambulances and rescue teams can get in and out quickly, especially if roads are blocked. They need to work closely with police to make sure they can reach injured people quickly. Pre-planning and walkthroughs with all agencies help everyone be ready.
• Communication between police, fire, EMS, and event staff is critical. Different agencies sometimes use the same words to mean different things, so misunderstandings in terminology can lead to confusion during a crisis. Regular joint training and briefings are recommended
• If an attack happens at a place that wasn’t planned for in advance, like a busy park, it’s even more difficult. Officers have to find the attacker quickly in a large, open space with lots of people running around. Most police officers who get hurt in these situations are injured outside, often while approaching the scene.
• When the shooting stops and a "warm zone" is established, RTFs must move in quickly to treat and evacuate victims, relying on law enforcement for security. Even if they don’t know if the attacker is still there, they have to act quickly because “known bleeding doesn’t stop for unknown threats.” The goal is to save lives as fast as possible, even when the threat location is uncertain.

In summary, while the fundamental response process remains the same, outdoor active shooter incidents require more complex planning and better communication, coordination, and adaptability because of increased exposure and unpredictability. 

View this episode on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/Mg5qDMnIuOo