Firearm Injury Prevention and Patient Safety: Online Course-Topic Brief

Topic Brief - Active Shooter Preparedness in the ED

Pdf Summary

Active shooter incidents are becoming more common in the United States, particularly in hospital emergency departments (EDs) where patients with unknown mental and physical conditions are received. The purpose of this topic brief is to provide guidance for ED staff, patients, and visitors in the event of an active shooter incident. Active shooter incidents are defined as individuals actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area with the use of a firearm. The ED is the most common site for hospital-based shootings, accounting for 29% of recorded incidents. Between 2000 and 2013, there was an increase in active shooter incidents in both the general population and in hospitals. <br /><br />The key response for individuals involved in an active shooter incident is to "Run-Hide-Fight." This response involves running to a safe place, hiding if a safe path is not available, and fighting as a last resort if necessary. It is important for hospitals to implement regular, ongoing active shooter training for all employees, including procedures for protecting staff and patients and the expected response from law enforcement. Hospitals should involve local law enforcement in their emergency action planning and establish clear communication channels with them. Planning should also include processes and procedures for ensuring patient and employee safety, training and drilling employees, and planning for post-event activities.<br /><br />Mitigation and preparedness strategies for active shooter incidents include early intervention, education of staff to identify warning signs, and routine training exercises. The response to an active shooter incident should focus on removing as many people as possible from danger. Mental health support should be provided immediately after the event to those involved, and communication should be open about post-incident actions to ensure a safe environment for all.<br /><br />Overall, it is crucial for emergency nurses to be prepared to respond to active shooter incidents and for hospitals to have comprehensive emergency action plans in place. An all-inclusive approach involving planning, education, training, and mental health support is necessary to mitigate the devastating effects of these incidents.

Keywords

active shooter incidents

hospital emergency departments

Run-Hide-Fight response

hospital-based shootings

law enforcement involvement

patient and employee safety

mitigation and preparedness strategies

staff education

mental health support

comprehensive emergency action plans