Macon hospital steps up security measures after recent mass shootings

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Medical Center, Navicent Health is stepping up security measures after multiple mass shootings across the country.

During Thursday’s news conference to announce the new security initiative, hospital officials referenced Germany, Orlando and San Bernardino as examples of recent global tragedies.

“When incidents occur, then people immediately after approve [new security measures] once its occurred, then you’re kind of moving in a reactive mode and we want to get ahead of the game and try to be in a proactive mode,” explained Navicent Health Police Department Chief Quentin Jude.

About a million dollars in new security measures and equipment is coming to Navicent Health properties.

“You can’t put a price on safety,” said Jude.

More police officers, badge access requirements for all non-public areas, security camera systems and Code Blue emergency lights in all parking decks are just a few of the measures the hospital will be taking.

“We do active shooter training twice a year here. We’ve immersed and kind have combined that with the sheriff’s department the last two times we did the training,” said Jude.

Bibb County Sheriff David Davis attended the news conference to show his support.

“The medical center’s police staff are sworn in through the sheriff’s office so we take them in and train them. They’re just like a deputy in that regard,” explained Davis.

The hospital is also going to reevaluate its mass injury procedures.

“We’ve trained for years for disasters, but we’re realizing now we have to change that a little bit and be able to handle more casualties at once. Our teams can flux very quickly up to a large number of patients, but we’re actually increasing the training and frequency so we can do that more efficiently,” said Dr. Dennis Ashley from the Medical Center, Navicent Health Trauma Services.

Macon-Bibb EMA Director Spencer Hawkins was at the announcement as well.

He worked in emergency services in Orlando for five years.

“I’ve kept in touch and I think the first thing is just the shock that they’ve gone through, but the other thing that’s been really nice to hear is the overwhelming amount of support,” said Hawkins.

Hawkins went to the news conference to show his support for the hospital’s proactive approach.

“Our role is to coordinate and support all the agencies that would be involved. Navicent Health, sheriff’s office, fire department and make sure they have all the resources, capabilities and communications they need to respond and recover from a situation,” explained Hawkins.

Jude said some of the changes are going to be immediate, like building doors locking right at 5 or 6 p.m.

Other changes, like the new equipment, will start to be seen in about a month.