News Release Great Plains Health
NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Great Plains Health, in partnership with North Platte Fire and Rescue, North Platte Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff’s office, and the Nebraska State Patrol will conduct an active-shooter response drill from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 30 at Great Plains Health.
The training event will have an active shooter in the hospital and a coordinated response by first responders. There will be an increased presence of emergency vehicles and personnel at Great Plains Health, which may include law enforcement vehicles, fire trucks and ambulances.
The drill will help all partners evaluate their response in the event an active shooter enters a Great Plains Health facility to inflict harm on visitors and employees.
“Unfortunately, these types of events do happen in hospitals around the country, said Matt Odle, Great Plains Health emergency management coordinator. “Organizing and participating in ongoing training and drills is one of the best ways to prepare our staff to respond in a way that ultimately saves lives and mitigates tragedy.”
Areas that may be impacted by the exercise include the North Platte Health Pavilion and the emergency department. The main lobby area may also be part of the exercise. Signs will be posted throughout campus to inform visitors and employees that an active shooter exercise is underway.
Normal hospital operations will continue during the exercise.