Cop removes unexploded bomb from patient in hospital operating room

An incident in which a North Carolina police officer was called to an operating room to safely remove an unexploded bomb from a man's neck underscores the need for regular coordination between healthcare and law enforcement.

The patient was taken to the emergency room on September 15 with what was believed to be a gunshot wound to the neck. An X-ray and further evaluation once law enforcement personnel were called in revealed that it was actually a homemade explosive device that had not detonated. (Source: ABC News)

Under the instruction of a trauma surgeon standing behind a safety shield, a bomb squad sergeant with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department used surgical tools to remove the device in a hospital operating room. The bomb was safely diffused without anyone being injured. Authorities later determined the incident was a suicide attempt. (Source: ABC News)

Although the North Carolina incident was unusual, other circumstances also sometimes require healthcare providers to call for law enforcement expertise to safely remove or diffuse explosives. For example, in May 2012 a bomb squad was called to an operating room in Minnesota to help remove unexploded fireworks that were lodged in a man's chest. (Sources: Associated Press, Minnesota's KARE 11)

Action Steps

1) Work with local law enforcement partners to identify scenarios in which you may need their assistance, such as active shooter events and the presence of explosive devices. Drill those scenarios to help familiarize law enforcement with your facilities and procedures. (Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality)

2) Analyze your risks and evaluate whether your emergency plans adequately cover a situation in which explosive devices are encountered in the operating room or emergency department.

3) Ensure that policies articulate how and when to call for law enforcement assistance, and make sure staff are familiar with the appropriate procedures.