Tactical Training: North Metro SWAT Simulates Hostage Scenario

The blood may have been fake, the AK47s really paintball guns, and the children's screams may have been broadcast by a boom box, but "it felt pretty real," said Rosemary Taylor of a training simulation conducted recently by North Metro SWAT. Taylor, communications manager for Johns Creek, said smoke and no lights also added to the scenario. 

North Metro SWAT was formed in 2010 to serve Johns Creek, Dunwoody and Sandy Springs and consists of police officers from the three cities. The SWAT team is now bringing in paramedics and emergency medical technicians from Johns Creek and Sandy Springs fire departments to be part of the response.

Last week's exercise occurred in a former school in Dunwoody that is used by the team for training.

The training was focused on SWAT Med training and conducted by members of the National Tactical Officers’ Association. There were several different scenarios, but the main one involved a “shooter” at a school who had shot several students and teachers and was holding others hostage.

"The police and fire personnel from the cities take their training seriously and plan to be as prepared as possible, if these kinds of situations should arise in the future," Taylor said. "It’s crucial that emergency medical responders know how to accompany police into a hostage situation, with live fire, and work together to deal with the situation."