By Jeff Wardon, Jr., Assistant Editor

Violence and violent threats are becoming more commonplace in healthcare settings, as officials with Saratoga Hospital learned recently.  

The Saratoga Springs, New York, police department got a call from Saratoga Hospital staff on March 21 about a potential bomb threat, according to a police report. They were concerned about comments by a person after leaving the hospital. The person claimed they had a bomb while in the emergency department.  

As a safety measure, hospital staff started moving people out of the emergency department, and police officers went there to find the person. They found the person in question, Jonathan Gardner. Police then used a special dog to check for a bomb in the hospital, but the dog did not find one. Gardner was arrested. 

Related: CarolinaEast Medical Center Receives Bomb Threat

When such threats come in, it is imperative for facility managers to evacuate the premises and get occupants to safety. Doing so requires a proper plan in place. 

These are the minimum requirements for an emergency action plan, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): 

• a preferred way of reporting emergencies 
• an evacuation policy and procedure 
• emergency escape plans and designated routes, such as floor plans, workplace maps and safe areas 
• contact information of people inside and outside the organization to reach out to for additional information or explanation of duties under the plan 
• procedures for employees remaining on site to perform to shut down critical operations, operate fire extinguishers, or perform other essential services 
• rescue and medical duties for any employees assigned to them 

Jeff Wardon, Jr. is the assistant editor for the facilities market.