Emergency exercises to be held at Halifax-area hospitals with actors, toy weapons

The Halifax Infirmary is seen in Halifax on Dec. 15, 2022. (Jonathan MacInnis/CTV Atlantic)

Nova Scotia Health has announced a series of mock emergency exercises will take place at Halifax-area hospitals.

The first Code Silver exercise is scheduled to take place Wednesday at the Dartmouth General Hospital. An alternate date is possible on Dec. 3.

Code Silver in hospitals means a “person with a weapon.”

Nine other drills are scheduled at hospitals in the Central Zone until the end of February:

• Bayers Lake Outpatient Centre in Beechville: Nov. 21 (alternate date of Dec. 3)
• Victoria General in Halifax: Nov. 18 (alternate date of Dec. 10)
• Dartmouth General in Dartmouth: Nov. 19 (alternate date of Jan. 14)
• Nova Scotia Hospital in Dartmouth: Nov. 27 (alternate date of Dec. 17)
• Halifax Infirmary in Halifax: Dec. 17 (no alternate date)
• Abbie J. Lane in Halifax: Jan. 16 (alternate date of Jan. 23)
• Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital in Musquodoboit Harbour: Jan. 21 (alternate date of Jan. 27)
• Cobequid Community Health Centre in Lower Sackville: date to be determined (alternate date of Feb. 5)
• Halifax Infirmary in Halifax: Feb. 18 (alternate date of Feb. 25)

Nova Scotia Health says the drills are being planned to help staff prepare for emergency scenarios.

“These exercises are essential for ensuring our staff are prepared to respond calmly and effectively in the event of a real threat involving a weapon. By practising these scenarios, we strengthen our emergency response, improve coordination and reinforce our commitment to safety,” reads a release from the health authority.

Nova Scotia Health adds identifiable actors will be present during the drills and they will carry toy weapons. Evaluators and observers will also be involved.

Overhead announcements will announce when the Code Silver exercises are in progress.

Nova Scotia Health says the drills may cause some patients and visitors to become uncomfortable or anxious. They are being told to speak with their health-care provider or hospital staff for support.

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