Tragedy in Aurora, CO: How healthcare providers can be prepared

Articles & Blogs

Our Physician's Blog

Off-Duty Healthcare Professionals
And Mass Casualty Situations

7/25/2012 | AMRI Tactical Medical Training Department | Craig Olesen

Current Event: Tragedy in Aurora, CO

The tragic situation which unfolded in Aurora, Colorado in July has stirred many to consider how they would contribute assistance in a similar event. Most of the focus has been on off-duty police officers and civilians, who through training and background investigation possess concealed carry permits. While these individuals may well bring an early end to a rampage of violence, the other concern is to provide immediate, life-saving treatment for potential victims.

Many healthcare professionals have received training via courses such as Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), TEMS, TCCC and the International School of Tactical Medicine programs. Even the most basic healthcare provider possesses skills that if employed immediately would make the difference between life and death. ABC’s are priorities familiar to health workers and are essential when dealing with serious injury.

How should healthcare professionals prepare for these scenarios when they are off-duty?

Our Tactical Medical Training Department’s Insight

Unfortunately, the average healthcare professional may not be emotionally prepared to mount an immediate and meaningful response. Developing a careful plan based on various possible scenarios helps to create a better level of confidence in a crisis. When attending any event, it takes only a few seconds to look around and determine:

Where is the closest exit?
What is the safest path to the exit, or will I have to use an alternate exit or route if there is a co-existing event such as active gun fire?
Where is the closest cover¹ vs. where could I find concealment²?

What could you carry with you that would be medically helpful should you find yourself in this situation?

For example, a bulky, absorbent material that could be used as an emergency pressure dressing (facial tissue, sanitary napkin, etc.) would be useful.

Material that could function as a tourniquet in the event of uncontrollable arterial bleeding of an extremity? (shoe string, belt, etc.) could be a lifesaver.

Some people actually carry a small bag containing a pressure dressing, tourniquet and nasopharyngeal airway when attending large public events where disaster is possible.

The simple act of opening an obstructed airway, or controlling life-threatening hemorrhage early on may play a major role in the reduction of mortality and morbidity of victims of unexpected violence.

Although the individual healthcare professional in their personal lives have no legal duty to provide emergency care, most will. And planning ahead will make you a more effective resource.

¹ COVER = material such as concrete which can protect against a projectile (best option to physically protect against projectiles)

² CONCEALMENT = a structure or substance that shields an object from the view of another (better than being directly exposed to an aggressor)

Craig Olesen has been actively involved in tactical medical education for many years. His background in anesthesia and critical care, coupled with tactical law enforcement provides him with unique insights into the often intertwined world of medicine and law enforcement. Using this knowledge, he is currently involved with development of an entry level course for emergency care providers seeking to begin their career in this challenging area of healthcare.