Emergency crews were called to the Foothills Medical Centre late Tuesday afternoon after a man shot and killed himself outside of the ER doors.
Police sealed off the area for officers and the Medical Examiner to investigate.
Stuart Brideaux, a spokesperson for Calgary EMS, said witnesses reported seeing a man with a gun pull up to the hospital in a vehicle.
“There were witness accounts that recognized that an individual had arrived with a weapon,” Brideaux said. “However it unfolded so very quickly.”
“There certainly was a period of somewhat mild chaos and definitely some confusion early on.”
EMS said the emergency room was not shut down but ambulances were diverted to other hospitals for a short time.
A spokesperson for Alberta Health Services told Global News the safety of patients and visitors are their primary concern.
“That’s why we have taken the steps we have,” Colin Zak said.
However, Zak would not say exactly what steps were taken.
“It would have been an unsettling thing even if you didn’t witness or weren’t aware that a weapon was present,” Brideaux said. “There certainly was a very significant and very swift police presence at the hospital. That alone can cause some anxiety or concern among people.”
No one else was injured during the incident.
Patrick Keelan, a registered psychologist, said witnessing a terrifying event could trigger post-traumatic stress. Keelan said if symptoms resulting from a traumatic event continue for more than three months, a person might need professional treatment.
“It’s quite common, in the immediate aftermath, to have some strong emotions and some disruption to your life,” Keelan said.
It is not known why the man took his own life in a public fashion and there’s no clear connection to the hospital. However, Keelan said by talking about mental health issues, hopefully similar events can be avoided.
“Suicide is often called a permanent solution to a temporary problem. If you can get at the problems and work through them, that will help you make it less likely that you’d want to do it,” he said.
The Distress Centre has resources for anyone needing crisis support. Help is available online, or through the Crisis Line at 403-266-HELP (4357).
The Calgary Counselling Centre provides counselling services for individuals, youth and families.