Surprise “Code Black” exercise at St. Francis Hospital

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — A full-scale, unannounced mock ‘Code Black’ exercise was conducted on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at CommonSpirit St. Francis Hospital – Interquest (SFI).

The mock drill included the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD), the Colorado Springs Bomb Squad, American Medical Response (AMR), Colorado Flight for Life, and the Colorado Springs Communications Center (9-1-1).

From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., people in the area may have noticed emergency vehicles outside of SFI at 10860 New Allegiance Dr. in Colorado Springs as the exercise was going on. A ‘Code Black’ indicates a bomb threat or suspicious package, and the mock exercise was a drill to make sure first responders and emergency teams are fully prepared in the case of an actual threat.

“Mock exercises like these help us focus on three areas: readiness, response, and recovery,” said Sara Baird, Emergency Preparedness Manager at Penrose and St. Francis hospitals.”

“The simulation allows us to fix problems or issues quickly without compromising patient safety or wellbeing,” she continued. “CommonSpirit St. Francis Hospital – Interquest is thankful for the willingness of our local fire, bomb squad, and American Medical Response (AMR) that participated in our ‘Code Black’ exercise today.”

The hospital remained open and fully functional during the mock drill.

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