EMERGENCY PROCEDURES MANUAL - Department of Health

CODE BLACK
CODE BLACK
Internal Disaster -
- Non-Patient Violence,
- Armed/Unarmed Intrusion
- Armed Patient Violence
Code Black is the alert called whereby action is instigated to manage visitors or members
of the public who exhibit aggressive or violent behaviour which is directed at patients,
hospital staff or hospital property.
It is called in those instances where staff believe themselves or others to be in danger or
the situation beyond control.
All staff should be aware that the hospital executive has agreed that in order to
discourage violence in the hospital setting, it is prepared to press charges in the event of
trespass, assault or damage to hospital property. Clearly, the hospital does not wish to be
embroiled in minor issues which can be dealt with at that time without recourse to legal
proceedings.
In those instances where it is desired that a disruptive but “non-threatening” person leave
the hospital premises, the Security Officer should be present to lend authority to the
request that the person leave. If the person will not leave as requested, Police should be
called to render further assistance.
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