The First Responder Guidance for Improving Survivability in Improvised Explosive Device and/or Active Shooter Incidents

The First Responder Guidance for Improving Survivability in Improvised Explosive Device and/or Active Shooter Incidents translates evidence-based response strategies from the U.S. military’s vast experience in responding to and managing casualties from IED and/or active shooter incidents into the civilian first responder environment. This guidance also incorporates civilian best practices and lessons learned from similar incidents, both in the United States and abroad.

The DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (formerly Office of Health Affairs) led the development of this document at the request of the National Security Council’s working group on improvised explosive device situations and in response to first responders who have encountered mass casualties from IEDs and/or active shooter incidents.