In Wake Of Brigham And Women's Shooting, A Look At Area Hospitals' Safety Protocols

Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston said it'll review its safety measures and protocols Wednesday after the fatal shooting of a doctor there Tuesday. The doctor, Michael Davidson, 44, was pronounced dead late Tuesday.

Investigators say the gunman, identified by police as 55-year-old Stephen Pasceri, of Millbury, deliberately targeted Davidson. Police say Pasceri died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

It's the type of situation the hospital's chief operating officer, Dr. Ron Walls, says all hospital staff have been carefully trained to address.

"There is no amount of preparation anyone can do that completely eliminates the prospect of this kind of tragic event happening," Walls said. "But we do believe we have a responsibility, and we're working hard to meet that responsibility to have all of our people completely prepared in the best way we can so that when something like this happens — if it happens, and whatever happens-- our staff is able to respond."

John Erwin, the executive director of the Conference of Boston Teaching Hospitals, joins Morning Edition to discuss safety measures at area hospitals.

To hear the full interview with Erwin, click on the audio player above.