BackNovember 13, 2025
Halton Healthcare Strengthens Safety with Code Silver Training at Milton District Hospital
From left to right: Jeffery Boss (Constable ESU Emergency services unit Training coordinator, Tactical Rescue unit team 3), Nicole Urban CRSP (Manager, Safety), Kassondra Stockman-Sousa (Emergency Preparedness Advisor), Retired Sargent Brian Lowe, Constable Steve Elms (Emergency Planning Co-Ordinator, Emergency Service Unit)
(Milton, ON) – Halton Healthcare in partnership with Halton Regional Polce Service, and Halton Paramedic Services, has successfully conducted a mock Code Silver Exercise at Milton District Hospital (MDH) to test the hospital’s emergency response procedures in the event of an active threat.
The exercise, conducted on November 12, provided staff and first responders with valuable, hands-on experience in managing a high-stress, security-related incident.
A Code Silver is called in the unlikely event of a person with a weapon or an active threat within the hospital.
“Exercises like this are essential to maintaining a safe environment for everyone across our hospitals and community locations,” said Al Coady, Senior Vice President Redevelopment, Facilities & Retail Operations, Halton Healthcare. “By practicing realistic scenarios with our emergency partners, we strengthen our communication, coordination, and overall preparedness to protect our patients, staff, and community. We’re grateful for the ongoing collaboration with our community partners and for the dedication of our staff who help us maintain a strong, coordinated emergency response for the people we serve.”
During the simulation, hospital teams practiced critical response actions such as initiating a lockdown, communicating with staff and emergency services, and ensuring the safety of patients and visitors. The exercise helped confirm that teams understand their roles and can respond quickly and effectively in a real emergency situation.
“Inter-agency cooperation is critical to ensure an effective and coordinated response to major incidents within our community. Joint training exercises such as these are important initiatives that help keep our community safe.” said Chief Stephen J. Tanner, Halton Regional Police Service.
“Participation in exercises like this allows Halton Region Paramedic Services to ensure our teams are fully prepared to support hospitals and collaborate with first responders during critical incidents,” added Deputy Chief Tom Stirling, Deputy Chief of Paramedic Services, Region of Halton.
The exercise took over six months of planning and coordination and 75 people across the organization. These exercises are conducted yearly by the Emergency Preparedness department.