Surviving an Active Shooter Incident in the Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Staff members in the intensive care unit expect to deal with medical emergencies and are typically well-educated and trained to manage these. However, when faced with unusual threats such as an active shooter in the environment, they may be less well-prepared to take prompt and definitive actions. This brief article outlines the active shooter scenario and suggests strategies to ensure the safety of patients, staff members, and visitors who are in the unit. Hospital shootings are rarely anticipated on the basis of a known threat, and there is limited time to prepare for this terrorizing event. This article describes mass shooting scenarios in hospitals and offers some definitive ways to ensure survival of those involved.

Different Responses Are Needed to Manage Mass Shootings

“…In 90% of the events, the mass shooter has preplanned his or her activities, right down to knowing where the elevators, stairwells, and exits/entrances are in order to kill as many people as possible 4. Thus, mass shootings are not as sudden and spontaneous as they appear to be.…”

“…The event is unpredictable, and the victims are randomly chosen. Incredibly, mass shootings are generally over quickly, as 50% end in less than 12 minutes 4. Two-thirds of the events end by force before law enforcement arrives, as the average response time by law enforcement is 14 minutes 4.…”

“…Incredibly, mass shootings are generally over quickly, as 50% end in less than 12 minutes 4. Two-thirds of the events end by force before law enforcement arrives, as the average response time by law enforcement is 14 minutes 4. Despite mass shootings becoming common, it is rare that one community will be impacted on any specific day 5…”

“…Feelings of loneliness, isolation, and powerlessness spur the hospital shooter to action. Just before the shooting, the shooter may have an emotional disconnection because he or she is likely in crisis mode 4…”

“…3 In 90% of the events, the mass shooter has preplanned his or her activities, right down to knowing where the elevators, stairwells, and exits/entrances are in order to kill as many people as possible. 4 Thus, mass shootings are not as sudden and spontaneous as they appear to be. He or she has also prepared himself or herself physically, often by wearing tactical equipment, and mentally, knowing he or she may not survive the incident.…”