Rapid response to mass shootings

Abstract

Research Summary:We conducted a scoping review of literature indexed in the National Library of Medicine's journal citation database, MEDLINE, and Scopus to identify articles in which the rapid response of hospital staff, emergency medical services personnel, the police, and the public to mass shootings is covered. Sixty-five articles were included, and critical themes related to reducing the harm from a mass shooting were summarized.Policy Implications: According to our findings, when mass shootings occur in the United States, several evidenceinformed steps can be taken from the moment the first bullet is fired until the last injured individual is transported to the hospital to promote a rapid response that can reduce death and disability. Ten recommendations are made ranging from recognition of the need for rapid response and bystander training to triage and transport training of police and avoidance of over-response.

Factors Associated With Delayed Pre-Hospital Times During Trauma-Related Mass Casualty Incidents: A Systematic Review

“…The most effective solution might come from an integrated response within MCI plans, involving police jurisdictions, EMS, and fire departments. 44 Adverse triage responses were also associated with longer times to definitive care. Rapidly sorting several victims and identifying a priority for care is fraught with difficulty during unpredictable accidents.…”

First Responder Virtual Reality Simulator to train and assess emergency personnel for mass casualty response

“…Averting surges that jeopardize the emergent care of victims requires a workforce of emergency personnel who are well trained in the fundamentals of disaster response, 3 including targeted hemorrhage control, swift extrication, minimal interventions, and immediate transport to the appropriate receiving centers. [4][5][6][7][8] Conventional training of first responders for mass casualty events involves 1 of 3 methods: (1) live, large-scale simulations of mass casualty incidents (MCIs) that use manikins and actors cast in a temporary setting 9,10 ; (2) table-top drills that resemble board games 11 ; and (3) lectures or presentations on mass casualty response, sometimes followed by facilitated discussions about treating specific patient victims. 12 The large-scale simulations are the most realistic and effective but are resource heavy, expensive to construct, available for a limited time (usually 1 day), and are overly reliant on human evaluators to assess participants.…”

“…These mass casualty events create surges of victims that overwhelm healthcare systems, leading to the preventable loss of human lives. Averting surges that jeopardize the emergent care of victims requires a workforce of emergency personnel who are well trained in the fundamentals of disaster response, 3 including targeted hemorrhage control, swift extrication, minimal interventions, and immediate transport to the appropriate receiving centers 4–8 …”

Remote training as a common tool for the different professionals involved in the acute phase after terror attacks across Europe: Perspectives from an expert panel

“…Preparedness of the professionals to face mass trauma is a key element, as recognized by professionals themselves ( 22 , 23 ). Professional training is recognized as the best way to help them to prepare for the emergency response, including the implementation of frequent and realistic planning and training drills ( 24 ).…”