To prevent violence and potential active-shooter situations, Mr. Hutson said employers should:

• Perform a thorough background check on all employees.
• Have counseling services available for employees who show signs of depression or anger.
• Have policies and action plans in place for dealing with an active shooter. (We’ve had one in place at Family ER + Urgent Care since our inception.)
• Create a “go bag/disaster bag” with things you might need in the situation (tourniquets, flashlights, walkie-talkies, duct tape, etc.).
• Institute access controls (ie, keys, passcode access, key card)
• Remember that if an access door has a lock, there’s a reason. Keep it locked.
• Notify employees of any employees who no longer work with the facility, regardless of the reason.

Mr. Hutson ended the session with his most important take-home point: Train! Be prepared for active-shooter situations through regular training and involve local law enforcement in that training whenever possible.

Dr. Coppola is Family ER + Urgent Care’s chief medical officer and vice president.