Which option is NOT a phase in the five phases of an active shooter response?

Which option is NOT a phase in the five phases of an active shooter response?

• A. Fantasy
• B. Initial
• C. Planning
• D. Preparation

Answer: (A)

In active shooter response training, the steps are concrete, action-oriented phases that guide how responders prepare and react. Preparation involves getting ready—training, equipment checks, and readiness activities. Planning is about creating the incident action plan, assigning roles, and coordinating resources. Initial refers to the first actions taken on scene when the threat is identified, such as containment, communication, or rapid evacuation if possible. These are all actual, observable steps used to manage an incident. Fantasy, on the other hand, has no place in the real-world workflow. It describes a dream or imagined scenario, not a procedural action or a measurable stage of response. So it is not a recognized phase.

In active shooter response training, the steps are concrete, action-oriented phases that guide how responders prepare and react. Preparation involves getting ready—training, equipment checks, and readiness activities. Planning is about creating the incident action plan, assigning roles, and coordinating resources. Initial refers to the first actions taken on scene when the threat is identified, such as containment, communication, or rapid evacuation if possible. These are all actual, observable steps used to manage an incident.

Fantasy, on the other hand, has no place in the real-world workflow. It describes a dream or imagined scenario, not a procedural action or a measurable stage of response. So it is not a recognized phase.