Preparing to respond to workplace violence

SAN ANTONIO – Active shooter events and other episodes of workplace violence can be better managed with proper planning and training by hospitals and staff, Lewis J. Kaplan, MD, said in a late-breaking session at the Critical Care Congress.

“Workplace violence is not just active shooter – it’s ubiquitous, and we only know a little bit about it,” noted Dr. Kaplan, section chief, surgical critical care, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia. “The facility and everyone in the health care team have a role in being an active participant, rather than a passive one.”

^{By Andrew D. Bowser/Frontline Medical News}

Dr. Lewis J. Kaplan

To actively prepare for premeditated events, Dr. Kaplan recommended that clinicians develop partnerships with local law enforcement officials and initiate active training that involves anyone who could come into contact with an active shooter.

There are many steps that can be taken to protect the facility, including visitor screening and management, security that extends to the perimeter of the facility, building design that limits access to specific places in the facility, and deployment of firearm detection canines, Dr. Kaplan said, during the session at the Critical Care Congress, sponsored by the Society of Critical Care Medicine.