Police searched Orange County Global Medical Center in Santa Ana this morning following a credible threat – received via the facility’s internal phone system – from a man claiming to have a gun. Around 8:15 a.m., a Code Silver and lockdown were declared. Hospital staff sheltered in place for close to three hours.

By 11:30 a.m., the lockdown was lifted. No gunman was found – and the hospital resumed normal operations.

“This was a very unnerving situation for our staff and patients,” a hospital spokesperson said in a statement. “We are very proud of their bravery and swift execution of what they are trained to do. Orange County Global Medical Center is safe, secure and back open for business.”

Orange County Global Medical Center is one of three dedicated trauma centers in the county. Patients were diverted to other hospitals during the lockdown.

HASC President/CEO George W. Greene praised staff for following emergency procedures during the lockdown.

“This kind of situation is a hospital worker’s worst fear,” Greene said. “We’re thankful that violence did not erupt today – and we are proud of the personnel who bravely followed training during a scary ordeal.”

An investigation remains underway, the hospital spokesperson added.