Mass. State Police Monitoring Developments After California Shooting
BOSTON (CBS) – Massachusetts State Police troopers continue to monitor developments following a mass shooting in San Bernardino, Calif., adding that the department regularly operates with "heightened awareness" and will continue to do so.
Officials said at least 14 people were killed and 17 injured in a shooting at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino on Wednesday. Police in California say two suspects are dead.
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"At this point information about the suspects and motive, including whether there is a nexus to terrorism, remains fluid and incomplete," Massachusetts State Police said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. "As relevant confirmed information becomes available the Fusion Center will disseminate it to all Massachusetts law enforcement agencies per our standard protocol so they may respond accordingly."
State Police added that troopers "routinely operate with heightened awareness and constant vigilance for any suspicious activity."
Massachusetts residents are reminded to call police immediately if they see anything suspicious or out of place.
Gov. Charlie Baker also released a statement in the aftermath of the shooting.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families impacted by this horrific tragedy in San Bernardino," Baker said. "As this situation remains active, the Massachusetts State Police and our public safety officials will remain in constant contact with our federal partners."
First Responders Prepared
In Boston, the training for an active shooter never ends. In fact, Boston EMS trains in conjunction with Boston Police frequently.
EMS is there with officers, with SWAT, sweeping rooms and stairwells. Getting to victims quickly is imperative.
WBZ-TV's Julie Loncich reports
"We do drill for doing that, where it's just rapid extraction, rapid treatment of people," Boston EMS Chief Jim Hooley said. "Getting them out, and trying to move onto that prioritization for transport."
Boston Medical Center trains for mass casualty events constantly.
"I don't know that anybody can be 100 percent prepared for an event like that," said Maureen McMahon, BMC's Director of Emergency Management. "It's probably the one that keeps us up at night."
McMahon says Boston has the luxury of having a dynamic hospital group with established procedures.
As was evident following the marathon bombings, when none of the 260 injured men, women and children who arrived at Boston emergency rooms died.
Officials say there were lessons learned then, and after San Bernardino, there will undoubtedly be new teaching moments for first responders.
