Reports of Gang-Related Lockdowns at Erlanger

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) – There are multiple reports into the News 12 newsroom that Erlanger Hospital was on lock down earlier this afternoon.

We’ve learned that it’s connected to the many gang-related shootings hitting the area since Friday.

The hospital released this quote to News 12:

The Emergency Room at the Erlanger Baroness Hospital was placed on temporary lockdown.  This was a precautionary measure to protect staff, patients, and visitors to the hospital.

It is important for the public to know that Erlanger’s Emergency Room continues to see patients with emergency medical needs, both walk-ins and transports by ambulance, during lockdown

EMS providers decide, based on nature of patient’s injuries or condition, whether or not to bypass Erlanger.  Patients can continue to arrive by Life Force.   During a typical lock-down in the ED, there are no public visitor walk-ins.