Fire/EMS Radio Audio Starting with First Dispatch to Aurora, Colorado Shooting at Century 16 Theater

[@patmoran6446]

This dispatcher is phenomenal. Absolutely amazing.

[@johnlibbywelling2806]

Yeah I was just thinking, she is so calm and detailed.... I bet when she got off these calls/dispatches she started sobbing... I'm just like this too. Calm, and focused while handling a crisis and the moment it's over I just like burst into tears

[@strnglhld]

VERY clear and understandable

[@chasyncribb]

She was really calming the whole time! And I feel bad for that child who was bound outside of theater nine. I felt so bad for that child! I guess the child had gotten shot as well?

[@jayhunter4913]

The Dispatcher did a Fantastic Job under the Pressure.... Awesome Job!

[@gqjohn1122]

'I have nine shot with me'...[Battalion Chief] - 'Just hang on and I'll sort this out'

[@caps201]

gqjohn1122 how about any available ambulance get to the back of the theatre

[@bnadit1949]

For reference. GSW: Acronym for gunshot wound Red(s): Patients that need immediate medical care Truck: Ladder Truck Engine: Fire Engine Medic: Ambulance Battalion: Chief officer who is in charge of resources

[@peachesnmulder]

I have worked in the industry (with the best and the worst) and these radio procedures are embarassing. I know how frustrating it is when you are trying to radio a unit that isn't listening, or units are walking on each other, or units interrupting an already ongoing conversation. The IC sounded condescending in the end but he was contributing to the radio chaos himself.

[@dashockpixle4140]

Studying to be an emt my teachers used this emergency as an example of why we need to know procedures.

[@TheAlaskanfrog]

I am a firefighter and an EMT so I am feel like I can back seat quarterback this better than most. Command was enraging listening to. Dispatch calls for emergency help inside the theater multiple times and he doesn't even acknowledge until the 4th time and which timing says I know I'm trying to get things under control. It doesn't matter you need to get someone in there. Maybe he was doing that but just from this radio traffic I was furious

[@Leotheconstructionguy]

For all the people talking bad about the battalion chief who was in command I would love to see any of you take command of a scene like this

[@anabelharlowe2328]

Agreed they responded to a single party down that turned out to be around 70 and were able to get the entire thing under control in under an hour. Aroura wasn't ready for this. How can any system ever be? But they did what they had to believing they may die all for the sake of duty and helping people. All responding parties preformed beautifully given the incoming information and resources.

[@scotthagapac]

There are many accurate factual critiques of performance. They are legit. Not a value judgement, but opportunities to perform better.

[@micme0083]

I agree they had a conference about this when E8 arrived people were trying to get into the apparatus

[@mgchannel3261]

24:13 Truck 2 started loading patients onto a back of a police cruiser for transport. "Any ambulance we can get would be nice." -- I hope these are not red patients.

[@kimberlyannnn]

as in triage tagged? Man, when you gotta transport fast, you gotta transport fast..

[@jon782]

this was a pretty big fuck up, they needed more batalion chiefs, and they should have sent ambulances behind the theater, or to the theater, this chief it seems is having appartus sit around in staging.

[@robertemmer6300]

jon b I couldn't agree more. I don't believe the incident "commander" realized the severity of the situation. He was told there were victims behind and inside the theater, yet he didn't send anyone. As you said, he kept "staging" everyone. Did he not know or understand that the shooter was in custody and people needed medical attention?

[@alwaysjaclyn88]

This dispatcher was amazing; given the circumstances! There are many patients, responders and so yet many patients that could be first responders. She followed directions and relayed information repeatedly so that responders understood the severity. I hope to be as capable as she was!

[@Hyena_Six]

The problem does not lie in the personnel, IMO it lies in the training. Most if not all FD/EMS mass causality plans provide for a static incident, i.e. a bus crash or building collapse. A dynamic event such as an active shooter does not fit in the square hole. It's an ink blot incident expanding in all directions. Establishing fixed areas of Rx and Tx do not work. We must learn to adapt to the new threats we face as EMS/FD responders. Pts bled to death on the deck in Columbine and here too.

[@JP-wx6uh]

Exactly. And even the best plans for dynamic can and likely will always not go as planned. You can never predict every single possibility. The key is in planning, but just as important is training and practice daily, constantly. It literally needs to be a specialized full time job and would really require a full time specialized operation or entity. Most cities just don't have enough money. They can't even pay the current people they have enough (first responders who also do non mass casualty/triage/hazmat response work as their primary job). I do hazmat/hazwaste management (chemical, non fire). It can be rough.

[@speedyretreat]

After being told that there were 10 patients rear of the theater, he says at 21 minutes that he thought there was only one patient... From what I understand is the east side is the rear of the theater.It didn't sound like too many units were there. I do understand that managing the scene is vital, but there were 9 confirmed people down. Regardless of those things, this was handed professionally, and even though comms sounded like she was going to lose it, she never did. These people are heroes.

[@vo1134]

Amazing dispatcher

[@rmgp84]

As an EMT you should have a better understanding of MCI, scene management, and proper triage. All hell started to break loose around 8 minutes when ambulances were being accosted by lower priority patients. The BC did a hell of a job assuming command, taking inventory of all responding units, and deploying manpower to the most critical areas. A report states all victims were transported within 55 minutes. If not for his actions, it would have been longer and more might have died.

[@dw4778]

They command is giving permission to transport stable (green) patients when I count no less than 9 reds. PD has secured the scene. there is no threat to responder. This Btln command is trying to run an EMS emergency as if a fire emergency and is failing miserably at it. The rule of all EMS scenes is to centralize your patients triage and transport by priority. Unfortunately I have been in on a few of these, including a full 100 bed hospital evacuation where our pt was last out due to severity.

[@SilverSprings95]

should of kept E8 continuing Command

[@Pstfix]

Wow...this was only a few years ago. No MCI level establishment...one b/c on dispatch? Scoop and go of a STABLE patient???

[@brycejohnson9627]

David Fernandez I completely agree. I heard that they were leaving with a stable patient with an MCI and it's ridiculous.

[@caps201]

What does MCI level mean

[@drewski8138]

@@caps201Mass Casualty Incident

[@konakick]

An active shooter situation with multiple victims has got to be one of the most difficult situations to mitigate. This should be a learning experience for all of us in the emergency response profession; not a forum for Monday morning quarterbacks. Most if not all American municipal response systems would be very quickly overwhelmed. The scene was not secured and you had victims all over the place. Stop criticising and try to learn from the experience.

[@overpalmer]

We may all get an A+ during a triage class, but you just don't know how you're going to react. Most of these guys were probably working 24-hr shifts and were still half asleep. You don't know how you're going to react, until something horrible like this happens. And who would have expected this? Well, personally, I'm always vigilant in theaters since the debut of "Boyz in Da Hood" and "Juice"; as there were gang shootings that took place at both of them.

[@overpalmer]

We weren't there. I've responded to a prison with 4 shankings. There have been more victim on MCI I've been on, but not as critical as these 4 were. Perhaps they weren't certain that all shooters had been apprehended, and he didn't want to send medical personnel in there and produce more victims. I thought he did a pretty good job. This is not something that one sees everyday. Could you have done a better job, outside of a classroom setting? Or have you personally done a better job?

[@TxChristopher]

22 minutes in after being told repeatedly about the injuries at the rear of the theatre this "Chief" had no control and was still holding up resources. He repeatedly refused to respond to direct questions by his own people for action. He was more worried about naming off various "divisions" and "commands" than anything else, his response to actually do anything was ZERO. Staging everything away from the scene and not sending ambulances in because he did not know the "count" was pathetic.

[@reformcongress]

It doesn't matter how much training rescuers receive. there will always be something that one crew cannot respond to alone.

[@synchroduv]

Total command failure

[@twit101]

Good job to all the desk chair chiefs here. Im sure 2nd guessing someone elses decisions during an operation like this is your specialty.

[@DASHIT240]

the families are in my prayers

[@overpalmer]

Who did a poor job? Do you know the statistic of a successful resuscitation of a trauma victim once they've arrested? 0.6% or less. What are you saying. I was in ems in ems for 17 years. I don't think that I ever saw a successful resuscitation of a trauma victim who lived more than just a few days.

[@jamielancaster01]

That BC is way over his head.

[@lvntravels]

why do some speak so fast? How can I figure out the number codes. New EMT

[@imtherealgrizz11]

it just takes time I'm a dispatcher/firefighter you'll get it just takes time to listen i can remember asking for stuff 2 or 3 times while en route to calls

[@jbardugon]

Niki Gurle You are taking up valuable radio traffic by speaking slowly. You will get it in time

[@richardfickess4349]

Thank you Brice for being a dispatcher. It's a hard job and I'm sure you much better than the Battalion Chief responding. He was an absolute idiot as to what was going on. I don't think he was awake going to this horrible scene

[@nathanpoe9952]

Without training/experience for this exact type of situation (which took place nationwide after this incedent specifically for this type incedent from what was learned during this incedent, including these radio trans) it's hard to imagine anyone running in and running a smooth triage operation. Fire and EMS are not the same as police, they can't just go running in. This Chief was clearly in over his skis and towards the end was asking for another Chief. The wrong dude ended up in charge but it could be that this fire department wouldn't have performed any better with anyone else. Gotta have a plan that everyone has practiced coordinated with the PD. What I find suprising is that with all the high alert terrorist threats and Federal DHS grants that this scenario wasn't better anticipated and trained for. It is inexcusable that the leadership in the city and state governments hadn't thought this scenario through ahead of time but that seems to always the case. Citizens and voters have to hold elected officials to account for the lack of preperation.

[@drewski8138]

They needed to set up triage where scene is secure. I cant believe Medic 109 wanted transport a green when that may have been the first patient he’s seen. Cowardice. Should set up ambulance/triage where PD has scene secure. Send in a Tactical team for rapid extraction. Categorize then transport priority to trauma center

[@rs2130]

So sad to see people who were not there criticize the actions of the men and woman who were there that night. It was my privilege to be taught by these first responders in my emt training class and I will forever be grateful for that . The battalion chief was not "slow" " lazy" or "not in control of the situation" As far as everyone was initially aware this was a shooting with one victim. Nobody knew the gravity of the situation yet. Not only was he following protocol but he was very much in control of a chaos that those of you criticizing him, will never understand. As for people who say where the ambulances should have been, did you ever think maybe they couldn't drive up to said entrances because hundred of people were pouring out of the theater at once running for their lives? Lives were lost that day but many more were saved. Think before you make a comment people, you were not there, you do not know.

[@DubsackD]

r s ish your instructor? Im going through the program this semester.

[@rs2130]

I was in the night class so I had John! Good luck with everything!!!

[@jamielancaster01]

r s I disagree he was never in control of the situation. He had no situational awareness. As command it his responsibility to keep track of who is on scene , who is coming, and what additional personnel or equipment that they may need. Correction: I read from the cities after action report that the battalion chief was actually an engine captain who was an acting battalion chief for the day. No wonder he was over his head.

[@davey3884]

The clown running command was horrible, he was confused and in way over his head...

[@dmmedic34]

Yet another example that EMS needs to be separated from fire and be its own entity.

[@EMS221k]

One Word - All Units Start Your Triage Assessment

[@SilverSprings95]

EMS221k if I was BC1 I would continue from what E8 placed through. jeezus BC1 literally didn't do a excellent job

[@forGodandCountry7]

Somebody just woke up. :)

[@overpalmer]

I understand. I would have worn a hole in the floor with my knees bouncing up and down; and thinking "HURRY UP! PEOPLE ARE DYING!". I'm sure there was some confusion when officers began to transport people. But that's what we train for. When I got out of EMS in April, we were regularly having drills for mass murders in schools and shopping malls. The crazies are slipping through wider cracks these days.

[@MikeDevo]

Love to read the Monday morning quarterback comments - until one of you have run a scene like this, STFU. It's obvious you have no idea what you're talking about. Organization is critical in these incidents, and the shooter was not accounted for during much of the audio. So again, until you've been there, stick it.

[@Bill1977cgo1]

He did a poor job, very sad

[@alwaysjaclyn88]

Command failure.

[@stevensharpe3182]

IC is that one guy every city fire has trying to do by book what the problem is

[@ishtech101]

My question is this: With all the people that carry these days (CCDW) was there not one person armed who could have taken this guy down? My honest OPINION is someone had a weapon that could have stopped this guy - but, did have the ability to draw and use their weapon. There is quote that I heard once that will stay with me until I am dead and gone: COURAGE IS NOT THE ABSENSE OF FEAR, BUT THE REALIZATION THAT THERE IS SOMETHING MORE IMPORTANT THAN FEAR!

[@kd0duj]

these liberal movie theater owners want their movie theaters gun free zones which got people killed

[@n5iln]

@@kd0duj How do you expect to identify a valid target in that scenario? How would you expect the cops to identify the original bad actor if everyone's throwing lead around? Try thinking before spewing.

[@recklessrickey9513]

Samuel Ishmael Too much chaos, what if you kill innocents in the crowd?

[@caps201]

The battalion chief was irritating. If it was his kid in the theater would he be saying let me get situated. I don’t know I’m. It in this business but it would seem get someone back there now and then work out the rest of the shit

[@ishtech101]

You - completely - missed - my - point! PLEASE READ THIS - SLOWLY!!! With all the people that carry these days (CCDW) You still with me or are you confused again? was there not one person armed who could have taken this guy down? That was my question, black text on a white background - hello wall?

[@kennymeyerowitz8525]

i have been in scanner clubs for over 35 years. in fact i was interviewed by the nyc times on why i listen to the scanner.1 you get a real timeline about crime in your area,the severity of crime in real crime.the types of crimes.direct info as incidents happen and of course the action is great.nobody has the right to use automatic weapons for hunting is a sport.not a kill game.the real hunter meets the challange of the sport with a regular hunting rifile.not assault weapons.

[@jennamasi6177]

Does that one guy who im assuming is in charge sound drunk or is it me lol ?

[@p0lish]

lol this guy's "off"

[@BrentMyers-m7r]

Command with crappy attitude

[@msfaerywing]

BC was high af!

[@Oscar1222100]

7

[@ishtech101]

My question is this: With all the people that carry these days (CCDW) was there not one person armed who could have taken this guy down? My honest OPINION is someone had a weapon that could have stopped this guy - but, did have the ability to draw and use their weapon. There is quote that I heard once that will stay with me until I am dead and gone: COURAGE IS NOT THE ABSENSE OF FEAR, BUT THE REALIZATION THAT THERE IS SOMETHING MORE IMPORTANT THAN FEAR!