Hospitals prep for the worst as mass shootings become more common

Hospitals mandate training for tragedy


More frequent mass shootings are prompting a nationwide re-evaluation of the way healthcare facilities prepare, according to an article on the Salon website.

Dr. John Fildes of the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada (UMC), the facility that took the brunt of the Route 91 Harvest Festival mass shooting, said that while the hospital had conducted drills in the past, it hadn't activated them "to the same extent" before the shooting.

"We didn't expect that volume of patients," he said, "but because our plan was flexible it allowed us to expand into other areas of our hospital and continue accepting wounded patients."

Not all hospitals are equally prepared, according to the results of a poll conducted last year by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). Roughly 93 percent of physicians said they don't believe their emergency departments are "fully prepared" to take in a large influx of patients.

Nevertheless, Hospitals across the country have developed emergency plans and conducted drills to ensure they have the protocols in place.

Read the article.



August 15, 2019


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Wanted: Scientific Standard for Hospital Cleaning

No accepted criteria exist for defining a surface as clean using microbiologic methods.


NLCS Strengthens Safety and Compliance with Comprehensive Electrical Program

Case study: A renewed partnership with Siemens helps the senior living provider meet NFPA 70B standards, reduce risk, and enhance reliability across its communities.


Sun Valley Surgery Center Suffers a Data Breach

On September 3, 2025, SVSC became aware of a potential issue involving SVSC’s information systems.


EV Charging Stations: Planning for Safety, Convenience, Expansion

Managers need to ensure patient access, coordinate with clinical operations and ensure every phase of construction supports the facility's mission.


Why Ambulatory Surgery Centers Are Turning to Dedicated HVAC Systems

Design experts from Neenan Archistruction explain how single-unit HVAC systems for each operating room enhance infection control, comfort, and resiliency.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.