Burke county EMS is in the process of expansion, a strategic effort aimed at enhancing our readiness to effectively respond to unfortunate incidents involving active shooters

Just as law enforcement practices have evolved from perimeter security to rapid intervention in order to neutralize threats, our medical response philosophy has also undergone transformation. Historically, EMS would remain in a staging position until the situation was fully under control and the threat had been eliminated. However, this approach has proven inadequate, resulting in preventable fatalities. In accordance with contemporary response guidelines, medical personnel are now advised to enter the scene promptly after the immediate threat has been neutralized, even if the shooter has not yet been apprehended. This paradigm shift entails medical teams entering a secured area, alongside law enforcement, to initiate vital life-saving treatments for patients. This proactive approach, particularly crucial in scenarios such as active shooter situations within school premises, underscores our commitment at burke county EMS to administer immediate life-saving interventions and primary triage. Our aim is to maximize the number of lives saved through timely and effective medical care.