AREA TO AVOID: Active Shooter Drill to be held at Nyack Hospital

Nyack, N.Y. March 21, 2014  – On Wednesday, March 26, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Nyack Hospital will participate in an emergency drill designed to prepare for an active shooter scenario at the hospital.  The exercise is being held in conjunction with the Rockland County REACT Team; the members of which are specially trained police officers from participating agencies in Rockland County.

Hospital staff and emergency responders will be simulating a crisis that will address the hospital’s “Code Silver” policy which directs staff on how to respond in the event of an active shooter.  “The likelihood of this type of an event is extremely minimal, but at Nyack Hospital, we are proactive in safety measures,” said Jared Shapiro, PhD(c), Safety Officer at Nyack Hospital.  “This exercise will assist us as well as our local emergency personnel to be better prepared to respond for the safety of our community.”

The drill will take place in a section of the hospital that is not currently occupied by patients. It will not interfere with patient care or disrupt police activity.  Emergency vehicles from the local police and fire departments will be on the hospital grounds during the exercise.