Hospital Lockdown Procedures & Policies: A Comprehensive Guide

Although the lockdown policies and procedures for each hospital differ, certain common procedures will generally be followed during a hospital lockdown. A hospital may initiate a lockdown for a variety of reasons, such as a suspicious substance, a serious viral outbreak, a shooting or a threat to the facility or patients.

• Padlock On Door

Secure Facility

• The hospital perimeter should be secured by locking and/or barricading all entrances and exits. Hospital procedures may require certain doors remain unlocked to allow emergency responders in and out of the building.

Notify Authorities

• Hospital staff should immediately contact local emergency responders, including the police and/or fire department, in the event of a lockdown. Ambulances should be re-directed to another facility or given the proper location for patient drop-off during the lockdown.

Secure Patients

• Patient rooms may be secured, depending on the level of lockdown. Some patient conditions may require doors be open at all times for extensive monitoring; in this case, the door will be left open or another measure may be taken to ensure appropriate hospital staff maintain access to the patient.

Secure Visitors

• Visitors should be directed to a specified area, where they will likely be required to remain until the lockdown has been lifted.

Staff

• Staff should be well-trained in the policy and procedures for a hospital lockdown. The hospital staff should remain calm and professional during the lockdown, in order to keep visitors and patients calm.