Battle Creek VAMC Conducts Life Saving Exercises
Battle Creek VA Medical Center's Emergency Management Service conducted a series of active threat exercises at the Lansing VA Clinic Friday, December 1.
The goal of the exercises was to reinforce the abilities of healthcare providers and local emergency responders to react in adverse situations, protecting VA staff and Veterans they serve.
The Lansing VA Clinic offers primary care and specialty health services, including mental health services, nutritional counseling, laboratory services, treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more. Unlike the Battle Creek Medical Center, the Lansing clinic does not have security on campus.
“We want to be proactive and think about these things and while this is obviously a horrible thing that we have to think about, it's better to have this training and be prepared,” said Coston Smauley, Facility Emergency Manager at Battle Creek VAMC. “This way our staff have more familiarity and know better about what to do versus having no reference or experience to draw from.”
Knowing how to properly react in a situation such as being inside a building where an active shooter or threat present is paramount and can save lives whether it happens at work or in a separate public space. These exercises also provided law enforcement from Michigan State Police and local law enforcement to familiarize themselves with the Lansing VA Clinic.
“Seeing and getting to know the location has been very helpful, because it allows us to understand where people are working facility and where we need to look if we were ever received a call to respond to this location,” said Logan Vanells, a local Michigan State Trooper who participated in the exercise. “Knowing the layout also makes it safer for us as law enforcement and first responders.”
Throughout the afternoon, the Emergency Management Service team went through 3-4 scenarios with the clinic staff using simulated weapons, utilizing the Critical Incident Stress Team, and providing clinic employees education. The active threat training included three important procedures:
- Run – Run when there is an active threat. Once you are safe, call 911.
- Hide – If escape is not possible, hide. Block the door, avoid windows, and silence your cell phone.
- Fight – Fighting is the last resort and if your life is in immediate danger.
Exercises such as this are routinely scheduled throughout a given year. Because it is common for staff to transfer in and out of locations in addition to newly hired staff, the weight of this training brought more importance.
“It's not just applicable to our medical center or clinics, as it’s something that is applicable if you’re out shopping or visiting public institutions - it doesn't matter, you're still going to follow those same 3 rules,” said Smauley.
Scenarios included a Veteran suffering a mental breakdown with threats of self-harm, another involved harming staff, and a third scenario involving a hostage. After each scenario was performed a debriefing was given where responders and participants identified areas of success could learn about areas of improvement.
From the exercises that took place, organizers hope that staff were able to take away tools they can use, understanding of different situations, and improve upon their own individual responses.
“As a VA employee, a Veteran, and a healthcare provider at this clinic I think it’s important to be ready for anything to happen,” said Sue Diaz, a Nurse Manager with the Lansing VA Clinic. “Providing these experiences to the staff better prepares them for the thing we hope will never happen but could help us save lives.”