A disgruntled patient purchased a rifle, and three hours later walked onto the second floor of a medical office building in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and began shooting. He fatally shot two orthopedists, a medical receptionist, a bystander, and then himself, in less than ten minutes.
The patient had blamed his orthopedic surgeon for continuing back pain, claiming the surgery had been botched. He called to complain several times over several days, including the day of the shooting, wanting additional assistance. He then purchased an AR-15-style rifle and took it to the hospital, along with a .40-caliber Smith & Wesson semi-automatic handgun he’d bought a few days earlier.
The Tulsa police chief said officers first got a 911 call at 4:52 p.m. from a patient who was having a video visit with their doctor, who told them to contact police about a shooting in the medical building. Police arrived on the scene four minutes later. At 4:58 p.m., just 39 seconds after they entered the building, they heard one last gunshot, which they believe was the gunman killing himself.
The gunman was found dead in an exam room. A woman was found hiding under a desk near his body. The police chief said a note which they found on the gunman made it clear that he had come in with the intent to kill the doctor who had performed his surgery, and anyone who got in his way.
The Oklahoma State Medical Association president said, “multiple rooms, multiple stairways, multiple access points. That’s what’s especially concerning throughout the facility, and that’s what’s especially concerning about any medical facility.”
Issue:
The incident rate of violence against healthcare workers is a problem that affects thousands across the country. From verbal and physical assaults on staff to active shootings, acts of violence are occurring at an alarming rate. According to the FBI, for the period 2017-2021, active shooter incident data reveals an upward trend: the number of active shooter incidents identified in 2021 represents a 52.5% increase from 2020 and a 96.8% increase from 2017. While many active shooter events are planned by the perpetrator(s), others may occur spontaneously. Situational awareness and vigilance are critical.
Discussion Points:
- Review policies and procedures regarding the facility’s Emergency Preparedness Plan provisions for responding to an active shooter situation, including the performance of risk assessments and drills.
- Train staff in the protocols for responding to an active shooter situation, and how to protect the residents, themselves, and other staff members and visitors.
- Periodically audit by holding mock drills that include participation of law enforcement and other first responders to assess the effectiveness and competence of staff in responding to an active shooter situation.
