Firefighters with bullet proof vests and a new active shooter policy are now a part of the response plan in King County, according to Sheriff John Urquhart.
"This is a huge change not only us, but for the fire department," said Sheriff Urquhart.
The old protocol would have firefighters and paramedics wait for police to secure the scene. But under the new policy, law enforcement leads firefighters and paramedics in to what they call the "warm zone."
"A warm zone is where the shooting has stopped, but there are victims. The shooter may not be dead yet... may not be in custody, and we haven't searched the rest of the school," said Sheriff Urquhart.
Battalion Chief Jeff DiDonato with Maple Valley Fire says there was some apprehension among some firefighters about going into a scene that has not been contained, but in the last couple years the agencies have been talking about it and training.
"I don't think there is any firefighter or EMS personnel that doesn't recognize the value of doing this," said Battalion Chief DiDonato.
In a situation where seconds count, they know it is a strategy that could save lives.