An active threat with a weapon — the hospital's most serious security code.
A Code Silver is the specific alert used by hospitals to signal an active shooter or an individual wielding a weapon. Unlike other alerts, this code warns staff that there is an immediate threat of violence within the building. Security teams and local police are dispatched to the scene the moment this alert is broadcast. Our primary goal during this time is to protect patients, visitors, and staff from harm.
If you are in your room when a Code Silver is called, stay where you are and lock the door if possible. Turn off all lights and stay low to the ground to remain out of sight. Silence your cell phone to avoid drawing attention to your location. Follow any specific instructions provided by nursing staff, as they are trained on how to secure your area.
Staff members are trained to follow the 'Run, Hide, Fight' protocol during a violent incident. If a secure area is unavailable, they prioritize moving patients to rooms that can be barricaded or locked. Nurses and doctors are instructed to put their own safety first so that they can remain capable of assisting others later. We communicate through internal systems to keep track of everyone's location.
The facility remains under lockdown until local law enforcement declares the area safe. Security teams conduct a thorough sweep of the building to ensure no further threats exist. You may hear an 'All Clear' announcement over the intercom once the situation is resolved. We will provide updates as soon as the police allow us to resume normal services.