IRVING, TX – Vizient, Inc. released recommendations focused on mitigating common risks, identifying national guidelines and utilizing existing resources to ensure preparedness for an active shooter event. The recommendations were made by a task force of 40 Vizient network executives from 27 organizations across the country. The recommendations and rationales bring attention to organizational tactics that were found by the task force to be lacking or inconsistent. View active shooter preparedness resources.
"It is an uncomfortable topic to discuss but it is vital that hospitals address the issue of a potential active shooter event," said Susan Chishimba, Vizient Member Networks senior director. "Planning for the unthinkable will invariably save lives."
The recommendations are based in part on the results of a recent Vizient provider customer health system survey that revealed disparities in active shooter protocols. While 98% of hospital system respondents said they have enacted an active shooter protocol, preparedness varied. Only 24% have discussed a dedicated plan to ensure continuity of care for critically ill patients. Of those, very few use a "secure-preserve-defend" doctrine in which staff first prioritize locking down or barricading their patient care areas. The results of the survey are published in the American Journal of Disaster Medicine. View a summary of the survey findings, Assessing Active Shooter Preparedness in U.S. Hospital Systems.
The recommendations from the task force focus on appropriate communication, secure access, management of critically ill patients who are unable to run, hide and fight, and include tactics for addressing post-event trauma. The online resources, which comprise recommendations and rationales for communication, physical security, plan and response, drills and simulations and a post-event response, include:
- Using appropriate language when broadcasting an event, with attention to both internal and external communication.
- Integrating access control, video surveillance, alarms, and other supportive technology to reduce the risk of active shooters gaining access to secure areas.
- Investing in shot-detection technology that would alert local law enforcement as soon as shots are fired.
- Considering the need for hemorrhage control procedure and supplies as a critical element of an organization’s response plan.
- Focusing on the importance of post-event recovery in order to restore safety, rebuild confidence and foster resilience.
"Active shooter events are a tragic and unfortunate reality," said Jodi Eisenberg, associate vice president, Vizient Member Networks. "It’s critically important to have a comprehensive plan in place — even if it’s one you hope you never have to use."
