Emergency Preparedness

Appendix H.14 – HOSTAGE

Kern Medical Emergency Preparedness

PROCEDURE:

• Initial Response  When a Kern Medical associate becomes aware of an armed person or a hostage situation at Kern Medical Center, either through observation or report from a patient, visitor or another staff member, the associate will:  Immediately notify Security by use of the hospital emergency number (5#)  Give the location of occurrence  Describe the type of suspected weapon  Provide a description of the number of suspects (and hostages, if appropriate), including a clothing description  Seek cover and warn others of the situation  The Kern Medical Operator/Dispatch will:  Dispatch available security personnel to secure the area of occurrence. o Officers responding will exercise appropriate officer safety protocol

o Officers will attempt to locate, identify and observe the suspect(s) and keep the Operator/Dispatch appraised of the situation  Once the occurrence is confirmed, initiate facility lock-down procedure. o Immediately notify Hospital Administrator and/or Designee.  HICS protocol will be initiated as appropriate o Notify the Engineering Department director and the engineer on duty

o Notify the Security Manager o Medical Executive Director o Risk Manager

 Notify law enforcement of the situation via 9-1-1.  Request a “Code Silver” announcement through the Operator.  Attempt to locate the suspect(s) on the CCTV system if appropriate.  Dispatch the patrol officer to meet arriving law enforcement

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