Getting active-shooter training

HANAMAULU — Kauai first responders are making a collaborative effort to continue education and training in active-shooter response.

About 30 personnel from the Kauai Police Department, Kauai Fire Department, state Department of Public Safety and American Medical Response recently participated in a two-day Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) course called Active Attack Integrated Response.

The course is designed to improve integration between multiple agencies of first responders, with a special focus on enhancing survivability of victims during an active-attacker event.

“The growing number of mass-casualty incidents throughout our country has shaken communities worldwide, including our own community here on Kauai,” said KPD Assistant Chief Roy Asher.

“As first responders, we are committed to continuous education and training so that we’re up to date on the latest protocols that will better serve our people and save the lives of our citizens. We thank all participating agencies in last week’s training, along with ALERRT instructors, for their time and dedication towards the overall protection of our people.”

The AAIR training was held at King Kaumuali‘i Elementary School late last month, while the school was closed for spring break. It entailed both classroom and field instruction, including a simulated, high-stress scenario using actors coming onto campus in a threat-like fashion, a county press release said.

The course also provided a model framework for law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel to integrate responses during an active attack through the rescue task force concept.

This concept focuses on providing care to a victim or victims as soon as possible by having medical responders, with guided protection from law enforcement, enter potentially hostile situations.

The rescue task force concept also aligns with the new National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provisional standard, which details how fire departments and emergency medical technicians can aid in a mass-casualty incident and increase survival rates, the release continued.

“Part of this new standard is to train our medical technicians in responding to what are called the ‘hot and warm zones’ where the all-clear from police has not yet been made,” said KFD Deputy Chief Kilipaki Vaughan.

“The NFPA guidelines suggest scenarios where our personnel should continue to render aid to victims in these active zones. We thank our law-enforcement agencies and all involved in this important initiative as we work to train all our first responders in this lifesaving protocol.”

The training was conducted by KPD officers and adjunct instructors from the ALERRT program based in Texas.