Aiki Blog

All About The ALERRT Conference

Written by Damian McKeon | Nov 9, 2024 12:56:28 AM

Aiki Incorporated will be at the ALERRT Conference! 

What is the ALERRT Conference?

The Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Conference is a national event held annually, focusing on improving active shooter and integrated response training. Founded in response to the urgent need for coordinated response strategies, ALERRT brings together first responders from diverse fields, including law enforcement, fire departments, EMS, emergency management, hospital staff, and school administration. This year's conference, will held from Monday, December 2nd to Thursday, December 5, 2024, in San Marcos, Texas, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel Conference Center.  The Annual ALERRT Conference aims to establish unified protocols and enhance collaborative efforts in the face of active shooter incidents and other mass casualty events.

The ALERRT Conference is one of the only national forum specifically designed to integrate the responses of police, fire, EMS, and emergency management professionals. ALERRT’s mission is to empower these groups with the latest strategies, tools, and insights needed for cohesive, effective action. The conference format offers interactive training sessions, expert-led discussions, and realistic scenarios to build preparedness for active shooter events and other crisis situations requiring a swift, coordinated response.

Focus Areas of the ALERRT Conference

  1. Integrated Response and Interdisciplinary Collaboration

    At the heart of ALERRT’s approach is the emphasis on collaboration. Each responder type brings unique expertise, and the conference focuses on creating protocols that enable these experts to work together. Sessions highlight cross-disciplinary collaboration.
  2. Realistic Scenario-Based Training

    Hands-on, scenario-driven training is a cornerstone of ALERRT’s methodology. Attendees participate in real-time, immersive exercises. These drills often involve both tactical and medical components, training first responders to act swiftly and cohesively, from neutralizing threats to delivering life-saving medical interventions.
  3. Lessons Learned from Recent Events

    Drawing from recent real-world events and incidents, ALERRT incorporates data-driven insights to refine response tactics. By analyzing successful responses as well as operational challenges, ALERRT seeks to evolve best practices continuously. Sessions often review recent high-profile active shooter incidents to identify opportunities for improvement in areas like communication, response speed, and casualty care.
  4. Preparation for Community Leaders and School Administrators

    Recognizing the critical role schools and community institutions play in crisis prevention and response, ALERRT provides targeted sessions for school administrators, school resource officers, and community leaders. These sessions focus on implementing proactive safety measures, preparing staff for emergency protocols, and enhancing coordination with local first responders.

Who Should Attend the ALERRT Conference?

The ALERRT Conference attracts a diverse group of professionals:

  • Public Law Enforcement Officers: Police and SWAT teams attend to gain specialized training on active shooter tactics and integrated response methods.
  • Firefighters and EMS Personnel: These professionals participate in sessions that address medical intervention tactics in hostile environments and the latest approaches to casualty extraction and care.
  • Emergency Room Physicians and Hospital Staff: Attendees from the medical field work on bridging pre-hospital care with in-hospital treatment, ensuring a seamless handoff that improves survival rates.
  • School Resource Officers and School Administrators: Key decision-makers learn about threat assessment, communication during emergencies, and active shooter preparation plans to protect students and staff.
  • Community Leaders: Leaders learn about public safety, emergency preparedness, and training for saving lives.

Highlights of the 2024 ALERRT Conference

The 2024 ALERRT Conference, held at the Embassy Suites in San Marcos, Texas, is set to feature a packed schedule:

  • Emergency Training Classes: Attendees have access to various classes, each covering a specific aspect of integrated response, from tactical engagement to triage and emergency communication.
  • Session Topics: Topics include emerging trends in public safety, improvements in active shooter protocols, advanced medical interventions for trauma, and incident command strategies.
  • Expert Speakers: Renowned experts in public safety, emergency medicine, and crisis management lead keynote presentations and panels. These sessions provide invaluable insights into best practices and the latest innovations in response tactics.
  • Earn TCOLE Credits: Texas law enforcement professionals can earn Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) credits by attending, adding educational value to their participation.

Why Integrated Response Training Matters

In recent years, tragic events have underscored the need for faster, more organized responses to active shooter situations. ALERRT advocates for integrated response training because no single agency can respond to complex incidents effectively in isolation.

Key benefits of Integrated Response Training include:

  • Reduced Response Time: Integrated training fosters quicker and more effective handoffs between agencies, reducing critical time lost due to miscommunication.
  • Improved Communication: By training together, agencies develop a shared language and protocol, allowing them to coordinate more efficiently under pressure.
  • Enhanced Survivability: Medical interventions begin sooner, with EMS and ER staff having a deeper understanding of field conditions, ultimately improving survival outcomes.

Exhibitor Showcase

The ALERRT Conference hosts a multi-day exhibitor showcase where vendors present their services, solutions, and products to help compliment your safety plan. 

Aiki will have a booth on December 2nd and 3rd demonstrating our new Tabletop Scenario Software, ResponseReps, and answering questions about ClassroomSAFE real-time crisis management software. We will be offering discounted rates for ResponseRep early users, so be sure to come by our booth to see a demo.

Continuing the Mission: ALERRT’s Broader Impact

The ALERRT Conference is not only a training event but a rallying call for all emergency response agencies to work together seamlessly in the face of ever-evolving threats. It is a vital resource for any professional involved in public safety, delivering both practical skills and strategic insights that continue to shape national standards for active shooter and mass casualty responses. We look forward to seeing you there!