Executive Summary
- Southwest Middle School in Onslow County is hosting an active shooter simulation from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- The exercise involves live actors and training dummies to simulate a realistic emergency environment.
- Deputies, firefighters, and EMS personnel are participating to test and improve response protocols.
- Residents are advised of heavy emergency vehicle presence around the campus during the drill.
ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. – Southwest Middle School is currently the site of a comprehensive active shooter simulation designed to test the readiness capabilities of local emergency response teams. According to Onslow County officials, the training exercise began at 7 a.m. and is scheduled to conclude by 1 p.m. today.
The operation features a simulated emergency environment utilizing both training dummies and live actors portraying victims to establish a realistic scenario for first responders. Authorities state that the primary objective of the drill is to prepare deputies, firefighters, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel for potential real-world crises.
Residents and motorists in the area should anticipate a significant presence of emergency vehicles. Participating agencies will be visible on and off the campus grounds throughout the duration of the exercise as they navigate the simulated threat.
Operational Readiness Protocols
Large-scale simulations are essential tools for validating inter-agency communication and tactical response times during high-stress incidents. By replicating the chaotic conditions of an active shooter situation, local officials can identify logistical friction points and refine coordination strategies between law enforcement and medical units, ensuring a unified and effective response protocol for future public safety threats.
