Danvers rethinks response to active-shooter situations

The Danvers Police Department, in collaboration with the Fire Department, Lyons Ambulance, and with assistance from SWAT members of the FBI, participated in a mock drill and specialized training this summer focused on neutralizing a threat to the public by active shooters.

Historically, public safety personnel have been trained to wait for an active scene to be secure. Recent publications, however, stress that rapid triage and treatment are critical to survival – and that police, fire and EMS need to plan and train together to save lives.

“We know that stopping the active shooter is the first priority, but we also need to focus on the speed with which critical trauma care is given to the victims,” said Acting Police Chief Pat Ambrose. “In these situations, time is your number one enemy.

“This cross-disciplinary, active-shooter training was extremely successful at providing measures for treating and removing the injured; protecting fire and EMS personnel who are rendering treatment; and, ultimately, neutralizing the shooter.”

Acting Fire Chief Jim McPherson added, “With protection provided by the police officers, fire and EMS personnel are able to access patients in critical condition who need services much more quickly, which saves lives.”

Ambrose said future training is planned as part of the Danvers Police Department’s annual in-service training program.