Welcome to Jefferson Regional Medical Center

BOMB THREAT

SECTION 1:  POLICY
To define the procedures that are to be followed which will enhance the safety of person(s) in or around Jefferson Regional Medical Center or its facilities, in the event of a bomb threat.

SECTION 2:  PROCEDURE

A. Receiving a Threat

1. If a bomb threat is received, KEEP THE CALLER ON THE LINE AS LONG AS POSSIBLE.  Ask the caller to repeat the message.  Attempt to record every word spoken by the caller.

2. Inform the caller that the building is occupied and the detonation of a bomb could result in death or serious injury to many innocent people.  (NOTE:  Refer to the attached Bomb Threat Call Checklist).

3. If the caller does not indicate the location of the bomb or the time of possible detonation, you should ask for this information.

4. Pay particular attentions to peculiar background noises, such as motors running, background music, and any other noises which may give a clue as to the location of the caller.

5. Listen closely to the voice (male, female), voice quality (calm, excited), accents and speech impediments.

6. After the caller hangs up, IMMEDIATELY report the Bomb Threat call to Security.  Complete the Bomb Threat Call Checklist.  the person receiving the call must remain available until the law enforcement personnel have interviewed them.

B. Notification

1. Security will  advise the in-house operator of the Bomb Threat.

2. The Operator will notify:

a. The Administrative Officer when on duty
b. The Nursing Shift Supervisor
c. The Manager of Safety & Security
d. The Manger of Facilities Management
e. The Crystal City Policy Department
f. The gas, water and electric companies

C. Evaluation of the Bomb Threat

1. A command center will be established by Security and/or Administration in a safe location away from the possible Bomb location.

2. Any and all information regarding the Bomb Threat will be given to the command center.

3. The Administrative Officer will evaluate the severity and authenticity of the Bomb Threat.

D. Evacuation

Hospitals are precluded from a complete evacuation due to the essential nature of their operation.  However if the Bomb Threat is considered serious, it will be necessary to plan for possible evacuation.

1. The order to evacuate rests with the Administrative Officer at the time of the Bomb Threat.  This person would be:

a. The Chief Executive Officer
b. Either of the Operations Directors
c. The Nursing Shift Supervisor
d. The Manager of Safety & Security

2.       Bomb threat signal is “YELLOW ALERT”, followed by a voice announcement ordering doors and windows to be opened.

3.       Direction will be given by Administration as to the need of  evacuation. When evacuating use the same routes as used in case of a fire - away from fire doors toward the outside of the building, or to holding areas.

4. Evacuation teams will follow the procedure for evacuation in case of a fire.

5. Holding areas will be established where evacuees may wait until the danger is over.

6. Re-entry into the building will not be permitted until the all clear has been given by the Administrator.

E. Search

1. The search will be under the command of the Security Department and Police Department.

2. MOBILE RADIOS ARE NOT TO BE USED DURING A BOMB SEARCH.

3. Search teams will consist of Department Heads and Supervisors from areas that shall be searched.  After an area has been searched notify the command center.

4. If a suspicious package, device or actual bomb is located DO NOT TOUCH IT. Make note of its location and clear the area.  Call the command center and advise them of its location, color, size, and other notable details.

5. The Police Department and Fire Department will then be responsible for rendering the bomb/suspicious as safe.

US Patent Numbers 7,720,998 B2, 7,836,207