More than 100 hospital personnel and local first responders took part a planned active shooter drill in December 2016. Unit nurses, doctors and volunteer patients ran through what to do in the event of an active shooter. Upon arrival to the scene, police officers entered the building to secure the unit. Once the area was cleared, paramedics entered the building, one by one, to treat the victims. At the end of the drill, the team convened to review every action that was taken.
Throughout the year, Chester County Hospital conducts several emergency incident training exercises, including table-top drills, written scenarios, decontamination and mass casualty incidents. “Everyone in the hospital needs to be prepared and ready to act in the event of a real emergency situation,” said John Felicetti, Chester County Hospital’s director of safety, security and emergency management.
These hypothetical scenarios are all too real and familiar. In the past two years, the country watched in horror as two of the largest mass casualty events in U.S. history took place in Florida and Las Vegas. Texas, Puerto Rico and Florida were also debilitated by hurricanes, all within in weeks of one another. In each of these incidents, local hospitals, medics, police, firefighters and medical professionals worked together to treat thousands of victims. Coordination, emergency preparedness and organization during times of crisis are imperative. These unfortunate events are what drive Chester County Hospital to be equipped in any emergency situation, and well-rehearsed in the event of an actual emergency.
“Practice makes permanent,” Felicetti emphasized. “Rehearsing our active shooter drill tests our plans and educates staff and first responders on how to react to such a horrific event, especially in a health care setting.” He explained that the health care setting is unique because it requires protection of not only patients but also guests and employees. “Our response protocols were developed with local police departments and first responders. Having this partnership solidifies our plans and enhances our ability to protect each other.”
About Chester County Hospital
Chester County Hospital was founded in 1892 as the Chester County’s first hospital. Since then, the non-profit has grown into a 248-bed acute-care inpatient facility in West Chester, PA. The hospital also has outpatient services in Exton, West Goshen, West Grove, Kennett Square and New Garden. In 2013, Chester County Hospital became part of Penn Medicine, which is one of the world's leading academic medical centers, dedicated to medical education, biomedical research, and excellent patient care. In addition to quality-driven medical and surgical services, Chester County Hospital also offers home health, inpatient hospice and skilled nursing care; occupational medicine; outpatient laboratory, radiology and physical therapy services; wound care; cardiopulmonary rehab; and a prenatal clinic for the underserved.