INITIAL RESPONSE

If you find yourself faced with an armed intruder situation, try to remain calm and use the general guidelines outlined below to help make the best plan possible.

Run

Avoid the assailant – if safe to do so:

• Evacuate the immediate areas where the armed intruder(s) are located, and lock down other units
• Call Security (312) 227-7777 or push the red EMERG soft key on the Avaya phones
• Call Security (312) 227-7777 or push the red EMERG soft key on the Avaya phones

Hide

• If running is not an option, try to preserve the safety of patients, visitors and yourself
• Shelter in place – seek to hide in a room with thick walls and limited windows
• Secure entryways or rooms by locking door(s) and securing with available furniture/equipment
• Keep quiet

Fight

• Defend yourself and patients - as a last resort
• Attempt to disrupt or subdue the armed intruder, using available items, such as a stapler, laptop, phone, fire extinguisher, etc.

SECONDARY RESPONSE

& FOLLOW UP

Upon hearing an “Armed Intruder” overhead notification, being informed of or witnessing an armed intruder, staff should consider the following actions:

• Move all patients, families, visitors, and other staff to a safe location (patient room, supply room, soiled utility room, employee lounge, employee office)
• Shut, lock, and block the door with heavy objects
• Remain calm and silent; silence all pagers and cell phones
• Turn off lights, close privacy curtains, and stay away from windows in safe location
• Formulate an action plan if suspect(s) were to enter safe location
• Spread out in safe location if more than one person is present there
• Listen for “Armed Intruder Incident All-Clear” overhead announcement before leaving your safe location