Eisenhower officials speak on security measures following shooting
Monday evening, Stephen Kaylor, 63, of Indio was killed in a deputy-involved shooting following reports that a man was firing shots at two buildings on the Eisenhower Health campus.
Read: Neighbors and family give conflicting accounts on alleged hospital shooter
It’s a nightmare scenario for any hospital. Authorities said multiple callers from inside the building reported a man shooting at the building.
Deputies arrived just minutes after those initial calls, fatally shooting Kaylor a short time later.
In a situation likes Monday’s, every minute is critical. Elizabeth Wholihan, vice president of marketing and public relations for Eisenhower Health, says their security team works closely with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department to be prepared for emergencies like this.
“The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department was truly unbelievable in their quick response their support and our security officers and everyone who acted appropriately,” Wholihan said.
The hospital itself runs active-shooter simulations with employees.
“We have used the guidelines given by the Department of Homeland Security. We do live training that’s simulated so they really get a sense of what it’s like to be in that situation,” Wholihan said.
Wholihan said the hospital also has a plan in place to evacuate patients.
“Nurses have been trained, nursing assistants have been trained to move patients safely,” Wholihan said.
In the event of a mass shooting, all the hospitals in the Coachella Valley are connected with an alert system so they can prepare their emergency rooms and triage areas for multiple victims at multiple locations if needed.
“I think the main thing that I’m seeing is there is even more interest from our staff to make sure that they are up to date on their training. This is a good reminder that we all have to stay alert and vigilant and be trained,” Wholihan said.
As for Kaylor, Eisenhower officials said they will not be releasing more information about him because of hippa law which protects patient privacy for 50 years after their death.
Stay with News Channel 3 for any new updates on the investigation.
