In an active shooter situation at a hospital, follow law enforcement protocols such as calling 911, communicating the shooter's location, and evacuating or hiding while leaving belongings behind and keeping hands visible. Hospitals, with their unique challenges of vulnerable patients and complex environments, need comprehensive and regularly practiced contingency plans that include security measures, staff training, and early coordination with law enforcement to save as many lives as possible. Immediate Actions for Hospital Staff & Visitors •Call 911: Provide the location of the shooter, the number of shooters, their description, weapons involved, and the number of potential victims. •Evacuate: If an escape route is available, evacuate the area, leaving your belongings behind. •Hide: If evacuation isn't possible, find a secure place to hide. Barricade yourself inside a locked room if possible. •Stay Visible: Keep your hands visible to show you are not a threat. •Follow Orders: Comply with law enforcement instructions. Hospital Preparedness & Planning •Contingency Plans: •Hospitals must have detailed response plans that include evacuation routes, designated shelter-in-place areas, and communication methods. •Security Measures: •Implement physical security measures like access control, fortified barriers, and surveillance cameras. •Staff Training: •Conduct regular simulation drills and provide staff with training on an options-based response, which includes Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate (ALICE) methods. •Law Enforcement Collaboration: •Establish strong partnerships with local law enforcement for planning, tactical experience, and site assessments. •Facility-Specific Considerations: •Address unique challenges such as locked patient units, the presence of vulnerable patients, and potential interference with medical equipment like MRI machines.
