When approaching a shooting at a bar, how should you position your unit?

When approaching a shooting at a bar, how should you position your unit?

• A. Stage outside the bar until law enforcement arrives
• B. Wait for another ambulance or rescue crew before entering
• C. Just enter the scene
• D. Stage your ambulance a few blocks away until law enforcement arrives

Answer: (D)

In an active shooter situation, safety and scene control come first. EMS should be ready to respond, but not placed in the immediate danger zone. Staging the ambulance a few blocks away until law enforcement has secured and cleared the scene provides a safe location to launch care when it’s safe, ensures a clear route for entry and egress, and allows police to establish control and casualty routing. Rushing into an active threat or delaying care by waiting for more units without scene security risks both responders and patients. This approach balances speed of response with important safety and coordination with police.

In an active shooter situation, safety and scene control come first. EMS should be ready to respond, but not placed in the immediate danger zone. Staging the ambulance a few blocks away until law enforcement has secured and cleared the scene provides a safe location to launch care when it’s safe, ensures a clear route for entry and egress, and allows police to establish control and casualty routing. Rushing into an active threat or delaying care by waiting for more units without scene security risks both responders and patients. This approach balances speed of response with important safety and coordination with police.