C3 Podcast: Active Shooter Incident Management

What happens to the uninjured survivors after an active shooter or mass casualty event? In Episode 117 of the Active Shooter Incident Management podcast, host Bill Godfrey and his team of instructors from the National Center for Integrated Emergency Response dive into the complex challenges faced by responders when managing large crowds of uninjured survivors at outdoor and indoor venues.

This discussion covers:

• Immediate actions...

Emergency response agencies tend to spend much more time on tactics training—like room clearing or forming rescue teams—than on incident management, which focuses on organizing resources and ensuring everyone works together effectively. The podcast argues that both are equally important and should be integrated, suggesting agencies use small, realistic joint drills with law enforcement, fire, and EMS to build communication skills, ...

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 m...

In this episode, our hosts dive into what truly defines an "active threat," focusing on scenarios like active shooter events and the critical decisions first responders must make in real time. They discuss how to recognize when a threat is still actively causing harm versus when the situation shifts and responders need to quickly transition from pursuing the attacker to providing lifesaving care to victims.

The conversation highligh...

In today’s episode our panel dives into the essential mission for all responders—law enforcement, fire, and EMS—when confronting an active shooter event. The discussion centers on understanding and executing the three core priorities that define a successful response:

1. Deal with the Active Threat

• The immediate mission for law enforcement is to neutralize the threat—stop the shooter and end the active killing. This requires rapi...

Today’s episode takes a close look at how police, fire, and EMS come together to form Rescue Task Forces (RTFs) and why true interagency teamwork is essential for saving lives during high-risk incidents. The episode emphasizes that successful RTF deployment depends on much more than just assembling personnel; it requires careful pre-deployment briefings, clear communication about roles and expectations, and a unified approach to mo...

Every active shooter incident involves a minimum of three crime scenes: the location of the shooting, the suspect's mode of transportation, and their residence. But these scenes are just the beginning—additional challenges like jurisdictional coordination, evidence preservation, and responder safety add layers of complexity to these high-stakes situations.

Topics covered include:

• Identifying and managing multiple crime scenes.
• The...

Today’s panel tackles a critical question: What’s the difference between tactics and management in active shooter events?

The team dives into the distinct roles of tactical execution and incident management, exploring how these elements must work together to ensure a successful response. From law enforcement's focus on neutralizing threats to fire/EMS responsibilities in triage and rescue, the discussion highlights common gaps in tr...

In today’s episode, our panel discusses the importance of effective door breaching techniques during emergency situations, such as active shooter incidents. The conversation emphasizes the need for law enforcement to be proficient in using the right tools and methods to quickly gain access to locked areas. Key topics include understanding door types, leveraging alternate entry points like windows, and the importance of training wit...

Episode 108 revisits the critical topic of responding to shootings in healthcare facilities. Instructors from the National Center for Integrated Emergency Response (NCIER) delve into the unique challenges faced by healthcare facilities during active shooter events.

This thought-provoking episode offers guidance on balancing healthcare providers' duty of care with personal safety during violent incidents. Listeners will gain a deeper...

Today’s episode delves into the complex challenges faced when responding to hospital-based shooting incidents and the strategies needed to address them effectively. Hospitals must grapple with the challenge of maintaining open access for critical care while ensuring security. Our panel explores several key issues including: 

• Statistical insights on hospital shootings and their common locations (e.g., ERs, parking lots, patient r...

In Episode 106 of the Active Shooter Incident Management podcast, host Bill Godfrey and instructors Scott Formankiewicz, Kami Maertz, and Terrance Weems explore the concept of "voluntary forced training" for implementing active shooter incident management processes. The episode offers valuable insights for public safety professionals looking to improve inter-agency cooperation and implement new incident management strategies.

The di...

In Episode 105, our panelists explore how the order of actions can significantly impact the effectiveness of emergency response to active shooter events. Doing things in the right order simultaneously can ultimately save lives. Key topics covered in this episode include:

• The crucial role of proper task prioritization in crisis management
• How law enforcement and medical teams coordinate their efforts
• The challenges of balancing thr...

Episode 104 features a panel discussion with law enforcement and Fire EMS, delving into the benefits, challenges, and practical considerations of implementing body armor for emergency medical services. While the risk of EMS personnel getting shot in active shooter events is relatively low, body armor can provide an additional layer of safety. However, implementing ballistic protection is not a simple task and requires careful consi...

Episode 103 delves into the world of virtual training for active shooter incident management, showcasing its effectiveness and benefits.  The discussion highlights how this innovative approach combines functional-level computer simulations with full-scale management exercises, allowing for realistic scenarios without the logistical challenges of traditional training methods.

The episode explores the training structure, learning proc...

In today’s episode our panel discusses the duties and responsibilities of the first arriving officers to an active shooter event.  Our panel provides critical insights into the management of active shooter situations and the crucial moments when first responders arrive and make initial entry. From the initial approach, to providing comprehensive size-up reports, to managing resources effectively, this episode offers essential knowl...

In today’s episode our panelists discuss the challenges of implementing change in emergency response protocols. The episode delves into common obstacles faced by change agents within organizations and offers insights on overcoming resistance. 

Key topics covered include:

         *Communication barriers between agencies during crisis events

         *The importance of building relationships and training together before incidents occur

...

In today’s podcast we continue the discussion with John-Michael Keyes, Stacy Avila, and Kevin Burd from the I Love U Guys Foundation about the Standard Reunification Method (SRM) and its complementary nature to the School Safety and Violent Event Incident Management (SSAVEIM) courses. 

Reunification is a complex process that requires thorough planning and practice along with crucial communication between schools and public safety ag...

In today’s podcast we discuss the importance of reunification training and exercises for schools and public safety organizations. John-Michael Keyes, Stacy Avila, and Kevin Burd from the I Love U Guys Foundation speak with Bill Godfrey, focusing on their respective approaches to reunification training. 

The podcast highlights the complementary nature of different training approaches and emphasizes the importance of collaboration bet...