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| CHFD Paramedics and EMTs train under live-gun fire conditions with Cherry Hill Police Officers at a simulated active shooter incident |
This week marks the one-year anniversary of the tragic events that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Unfortunately, active shooter events are becoming increasingly common throughout the United States. It is critical for emergency services organizations to adapt and meet these expanding threats. The Cherry Hill (NJ) Fire Department (CHFD) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division along with its EMS Medical Direction staff from Cooper University Hospital are partnering with the Cherry Hill Police Department (CHPD) to enhance their ability to respond these and other high-risk events.
The CHFD is the first Fire/EMS
agency in New Jersey to implement an “Active Shooter Rescue Task Force”. These procedures, in tandem with the CHPD’s
rapid intervention model, will quickly place CHFD Paramedics and EMTs at a
patient’s side in an elevated risk environment.
Unlike previous “stage and wait” protocols, these guidelines, protocols,
and practices allow EMS personnel to quickly reach patients while law
enforcement officers continue to neutralize the threat. With the close escort of police, EMS
personnel can enter a potentially unsecure scene and initiate basic,
life-saving medical care before rapidly evacuating victims to secure areas for
further treatment.
The Rescue Task Force
consists of multiple, four-person teams.
These consist of two police officers, to provide front and rear
security, and two CHFD EMS members to stabilize patients using Tactical
Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) principles and equipment. In addition to the protection of the
escorting officers, EMS personnel are outfitted in ballistic vests and helmets
to further mitigate the risk of operating in this environment.
Training sessions for Rescue Task Force members are conducted at the Camden
County Police Firing Range. These allow
EMS first responders to practice aggressive patient care interventions while
functioning in an environment of elevated threat and live gunfire. The training and inter-agency cooperation
required for this program is a testament to the continued professionalism and
advanced training commitment maintained by both the Cherry Hill Fire Department
and the Cherry Hill Police Department.
All photos / information are for immediate release. For additional media inquiries, please contact Cherry Hill Fire Department EMS Chief
Randall McCargar at 856-795-9752
