06/06/2026
🚨 DAY 3 FTX COMPLETE 🚨
The final day of training started with a written examination, challenging students to demonstrate the knowledge and concepts they had learned over the previous two days. We are proud to report that everyone passed the written test, proving their commitment to mastering the concepts and principles taught throughout the course. Once testing was complete, it was time to put that knowledge into action during the Field Training Exercise (FTX).
The FTX was the perfect capstone to an outstanding three days of Active Shooter Response training with Mattoon Fire Department and Mattoon Police Department.
Today brought together Command, Law Enforcement, and Fire/EMS in a fully integrated response, ensuring they are prepared to operate as one team—not in isolated silos—when lives are on the line.
Law Enforcement Stops the Killing. Fire/EMS Stops the Dying.
Throughout the exercise, teams operated confidently in both the Hot Zone and Warm Zone, maintaining 100% security at all times while rapidly moving toward the point of injury. Teams entered the incident within minutes of one another, established hasty Casualty Collection Points (CCPs), conducted triage, treated preventable causes of death, and evacuated casualties to definitive care.
The addition of the Coles County Crisis Response Team (CRT) added another level of realism and operational coordination to the training. Their participation helped strengthen the integrated response model and provided valuable experience for all agencies involved. The CRT team not only provided security throughout the operation but also demonstrated a clear understanding of when to transition from a tactical mission to a rescue mission. They recognized when the threat had been mitigated and immediately shifted their focus to assisting with casualty movement, evacuation, and lifesaving operations. They embodied the principle of "Stop the Killing, Stop the Dying," proving that effective response requires knowing when to fight, when to secure, and when to help save lives.
🏆 Best scenario time: 24 minutes from start to finish
✅ 16 casualties triaged, treated, and transported
✅ 100% security maintained throughout operations
✅ Hot Zone and Warm Zone operations executed successfully
✅ Integrated command, communication, and decision-making
✅ Rapid casualty movement and evacuation
What impressed us most was the commitment of every participant. This group gave 110% throughout the entire program—constantly improving, learning from every teachable moment, and pushing themselves to become better responders.
Mattoon embraced the concept of integrated medical and tactical operations. They demonstrated that coordinated action, disciplined movement, and effective communication save lives when every second counts.
Should a real-world critical incident occur in Mattoon, Illinois, these professionals have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and teamwork necessary to respond effectively under pressure.
A special thank you to Fire Chief Jeff Hilligoss and the Mattoon Fire Department for hosting GAMS and making this training opportunity possible. Thank you, Pete Lusk and the Coles County Crisis Response Team (CRT). Your department's commitment to preparedness, interoperability, and public safety is setting the standard for others to follow.
A very special thank you to all of the role players who dedicated their time and energy over the last two days. Without your hard work, realism, and willingness to help create challenging scenarios, this training would not have been possible. You played a critical role in the success of this event and helped create valuable learning opportunities for every participant.
From me personally to the entire team of GAMS Instructors—thank you. Your experience, professionalism, and dedication to Active Shooter Response training are what continue to place GAMS as a leader in Tactical Medical Response training. Your commitment to excellence, realism, and continuous improvement is second to none.
My hat is off to everyone involved. Thank you all for your hard work, professionalism, and commitment to making your communities safer.
Mattoon FD, Mattoon PD, and Coles County CRT Experienced the GAMS Difference. Real-World Medicine for Real-World Situations.
