What distinguishes "indirect threat" care from "direct threat" care?

Indirect threat care refers to situations where medical assistance is provided in a context where the environment is not entirely secure or may still be at risk, but it is safer than a "hot zone" where direct threats are present. When this care occurs in the warm zone, it indicates that there may still be some ongoing danger, yet it is deemed safe enough for medical personnel to operate with caution.

In a warm zone, individuals are not in immediate contact with the threat, which allows for the provision of care that is critical but does not require the full protective measures found in a hot zone. This contrasts with direct threat care, which occurs when the individual providing assistance is directly confronted with an active threat, necessitating immediate and potentially life-threatening actions without the same protocols for safety. Understanding this distinction is crucial for law enforcement and emergency medical responders, as it shapes their approach and response strategies in active threat situations.