Campus safety
Part of our commitment to the care of human life includes providing tips on what to do in the event of an external threat on our campus.
Safety preparedness on the Swedish Medical Center Campus
The safety of our patients, visitors, staff and physicians is our highest priority. Organizations such as hospitals seem like they should be a safe zone from external threats, but we know that often isn’t the case.
The best weapon our leaders, staff and visitors can have is preparation.
The entire Swedish team, from leadership and administrative staff to medical personal and support staff, regularly train along with other local agencies to practice response to potential threats to our safety, including natural disasters, fires, catastrophes and active threats.
As a part of our plan, we work to educate every person working on our campus how to overcome the natural instinct to panic and take actions to increase chance of reaching safety.
What should I do in the event of an active threat on the Swedish Medical Center’s campus?
Swedish Medical Center encourages everyone to familiarize themselves with the Department of Homeland Security’s Run. Hide. Fight. protocol.
RUN
- Have an escape route and plan in mind
- Leave your belongings behind
- Keep your hands visible
HIDE
- Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view
- Block entry to your hiding place and lock the doors
- Silence your cell phone and/or pager
FIGHT
- As a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger
- Attempt to incapacitate the shooter
- Act with physical aggression and throw items at the active shooter
When law enforcement arrives:
- Remain calm and follow instructions
- Put down any items in your hands (i.e., bags, jackets)
- Raise hands and spread fingers
- Keep hands visible at all times
- Avoid quick movements toward officers such as holding on to them for safety
- Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling
- Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating