Casualty Collection Points (CCPs) are NOT mandatory in an active shooter/MCI. A CCP is a tool, not a requirement.
The Reality
Whether you establish a CCP depends on: threat status, access to victims, ability to evacuate rapidly, available personnel (LE vs RTF vs TEMS), and scene layout.
When CCPs Make Sense
Use a CCP when:
- —Victims cannot be rapidly evacuated (distance, access issues)
- —You have multiple victims in one area
- —A warm zone can be reasonably secured
- —RTFs or TEMS are available to treat in place
- —You need organized triage before movement
Think: large venues (stadiums, malls), complex interiors (schools with multiple victims), delayed evacuation environments.
When CCPs Are a Bad Idea
Avoid CCPs when:
- —You can rapidly evacuate to an ATP / cold zone
- —Threat is uncertain or evolving (CCTA risk)
- —You don't have security to hold a warm zone
- —CCP would delay movement to definitive care
- —You're creating a target (secondary attack risk)
This is where many agencies get it wrong — they default to CCPs instead of moving patients early.
Doctrine-Level Takeaway
This aligns directly with the core doctrine: Stop the Killing → Stop the Dying → Move to Definitive Care.
CCP = temporary holding / treatment node. NOT the end goal. NOT required.
The real priority: rapid evacuation to higher level of care (OR within ~30 min).
LE Rescue Model vs RTF
LE Rescue Model
- —Minimal treatment
- —Bypass CCP → rapid extraction
RTF Model
- —CCP more likely
- —Treatment + triage before movement
"CCPs are optional. Movement to definitive care is not."
If you can move them — MOVE them. If you can't — then build a CCP.
If you can move them — MOVE them. If you can't — then build a CCP.