An exercise was conducted at Södersjukhuset on 2 October 2024, aimed at preparing hospital staff to respond effectively to a violent incident within a healthcare environment, where a swift and coordinated response is essential to save lives. The exercise engaged personnel from the information desk, pediatric emergency department, and hospital security, who worked in close collaboration with police specialist teams and local officers. Prior to the exercise, each department developed specific action plans to ensure their staff were adequately prepared.
The exercise commenced with a realistic scenario: a couple, grieving the loss of their child, acted violently within the pediatric department, using a knife and a handgun. This created a simulated casualty scene, with injured role-players suffering from knife and gunshot wounds. Staff followed the hospital's Ongoing Deadly Violence (PDV) protocol, securing themselves in safe areas and alerting police and security personnel. Within 14 minutes, the police had neutralized the attackers, while hospital staff began acute medical interventions in close collaboration with the police and security teams. All injured role-players were triaged and treated, enhancing the integration of hospital and law enforcement professionals.
Following the exercise, a joint evaluation was conducted, allowing all participants to reflect on their experiences. The police assessed the exercise as highly successful, while hospital staff reported feeling more confident in their professional roles and their ability to manage a PDV event. Psychological debriefing sessions were organized afterwards to help staff process their emotions and reflect on the experience. With the support of hospital management and careful preparation, the hospital’s readiness and coordination capabilities were further strengthened, and work continues on training staff and updating action plans for future potential events.
More information & Contact
Do you have any questions? Feel free to contact Södersjukhuset’s Emergency Coordinator, Ellinor Linde Blidegård.
ellinor.linde-blidegard@regionstockholm.se
+46 735 858 280
