Assessment of Emergency Department Staff Awareness of Policy and Expert Opinion Protocol Regarding Active Shooter Events.

Division

North Florida

Hospital

Osceola Regional Medical Center

Document Type

Manuscript

Publication Date

6-29-2022

Keywords

active shooter drill, active shooter incident, emergency department preparedness, workplace violence

Disciplines

Emergency Medicine | Public Health

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Active shooter incidents (ASI) have continued to increase over the years, with the majority of attacks occurring in the workplace. Workplace violence in the hospital setting is a growing concern in the emergency department (ED). While ASI are inherently unpredictable by nature, it is prudent to be prepared for these scenarios in the hospital to prevent fatalities. The goal of this study is to access the level of familiarity of emergency department staff with ASI hospital policy and response protocol.

METHODS: A survey of ED employees was distributed using the Qualtrics® platform via an electronic link. The study was approved by the University of Central Florida College of Medicine's IRB.

RESULTS: Only 10% had participated in an ASI drill in the past year. Personnel who answered "no" to the question,

CONCLUSION: Most ED providers in the survey reported feeling unprepared to handle an ASI in the emergency department. This study underscores the need to implement regular training on ASIs for ED staff.

Publisher or Conference

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS