A hospital security guard was killed, and another employee injured, in a shooting at an Oregon hospital, according to police. On Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 10:57 a.m., police officers responded to a report of a threat inside the hospital where a person was seen armed with at least one firearm.
According to the police statement, officers believed this had the possibility of being an active shooter incident, so they converged on the hospital from all corners in a full-city response to address the shooter, assist with a possible mass casualty event, and evacuate those in harm’s way.
When officers arrived, they were notified by hospital security staff that shots had been fired. They began searching for the suspect, while hospital staff began shelter-in-place protocols. Officers learned that the security guard was wounded, and they worked with hospital staff to begin treatment. The injured security guard was transferred to a Level 1 Trauma Center, where he died despite additional lifesaving treatment efforts.
Officers also learned that the suspect had left the hospital. Additional officers set up a perimeter around the neighborhood and attempted to find the suspect. He was eventually located in a vehicle, which they stopped. During the incident, shots were fired by police, killing the suspect.
The police homicide unit, along with detectives from other units and the forensic evidence division, coordinated with hospital staff to ensure patients could continue to be treated while the incident was investigated. The hospital shelter-in-place was lifted about 4:15 p.m. and the emergency department moved out of divert status at 7:30 p.m. and resumed normal operations.
The hospital’s statement said that a second employee had been injured during the incident. It was a shrapnel injury, not a direct bullet wound. That employee was treated and released on the same day.
Compliance Perspective
Issue
The incident rate of violence against healthcare workers is a problem that affects thousands across the country. From verbal and physical assaults on staff to active shootings, acts of violence are occurring at an alarming rate. While many active shooter events are planned by the perpetrator(s), others may occur spontaneously. Situational awareness and vigilance are critical. Employers are obligated to comply with OSHA guidelines and standards, and to ensure that all healthcare staff work in a safe environment. Failure by a facility to follow OSHA guidelines and regulations may result in a financial penalty and other sanctions. Federal regulations on emergency preparedness include specific requirements for nursing homes’ emergency preparedness plans, such as requirements that facilities complete a facility-based and community-based, all-hazards risk assessment and develop strategies to address the risks identified. Emergency plans, training, exercises, and procedures require frequent review and updates to address modern-day safety realities, and to keep healthcare employees safe.
Discussion Points
- Review policies and procedures related to workplace violence and active shooter prevention and response. Ensure that the policies and procedures incorporate OSHA’s guidelines and standards that are designed to support a safe working environment. Review your emergency preparedness plan and update as necessary. Make sure the plan is available to staff so they can easily access the guidelines for the various components should an emergency occur.
- Train all staff on your policies and procedures related to workplace violence, active shooter, and emergency preparedness. Include this education in new hire orientation and annually to all staff. Repeat training should an incident occur. Ensure that all leadership staff are knowledgeable of OSHA’s guidelines and standards for a safe working environment. Conduct drills for the various disaster response plans to ensure staff competency with each. Document that these trainings and drills occurred, and file the signed documents in each employee’s education file.
- Periodically audit to ensure that staff are trained and knowledgeable of the OSHA guidance provided in your policies and procedures related to all categories of workplace violence, and that these protocols are being followed. Also audit staff to ensure that they are aware of their roles during an emergency per your emergency preparedness plan.
*This news alert has been prepared by Med-Net Concepts, LLC for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.*
