A hospital emergency response checklist is an essential part of a healthcare facility’s emergency preparedness plans. These plans should be developed in collaboration with international experts and include the following Elements:
Developing a hospital emergency response checklist
A good hospital emergency response plan is based on a comprehensive approach that involves several elements and focuses on a few key elements. Developing a checklist and other resources can help you prepare for and handle emergencies, regardless of the nature of the disaster. Public health is the lead agency during emergency situations and needs to remain current with rapidly changing guidance and regulations. Recent California incidents have included wildfires, landslides, and an influenza epidemic. The initial response to an emergency begins with recognition of the incident. In some cases, the incident may require the coordination of various agencies and the involvement of other organizations.
An emergency response plan is a comprehensive document that should include a list of hospital services, their priorities, and backup arrangements. Essential medical and surgical services must continue to be available despite the disruption. The WHO recommends that hospitals create a list of essential hospital services and rank them according to their importance. Additionally, hospitals need to have back-up arrangements for power, water, and oxygen. Finally, a comprehensive checklist should include procedures to communicate and coordinate with emergency management authorities.
The process of developing a hospital emergency response plan begins with understanding the various risks and hazards associated with various types of emergencies. The goal of this checklist is to be prepared for a variety of scenarios and ensure that hospital personnel are fully prepared for disaster. In addition to standard operating procedures, this checklist can help healthcare workers communicate with patients, staff, and other stakeholders in an effective manner. Further, it can be helpful to review examples of emergency response plans, such as the ones available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
To create a hospital emergency plan, you should consider the following elements: the number of on-duty staff and sheltered patients; the location of receiving facilities; the types of drugs and pharmaceuticals; and the staff responsible for their care. A reliable way to recognize hospital staff is a must. Your plan should be consistent with federal NIMS requirements and The Joint Commission. For example, hospitals should have a triage procedure that prioritizes patients according to their urgency. They should also have clear policies and protocols for triage operations. In addition to a checklist, you should create a decision tree to help healthcare providers consider the various factors that influence the critical decisions made.
Resources
Hospitals are responsible for providing medical care during disasters, and rapid service demands often overwhelm their capacity and health-care system. Fortunately, a number of supplemental tools and guidelines have been developed to help hospitals prepare for such situations. The principles and recommendations contained in this checklist may be useful to hospitals at any level of preparedness. These tools are designed to complement multisectoral hospital emergency management plans and standard operating procedures.
These resources include best practices for emergency operations plans, guidelines for implementing these plans, and information from outside organizations and government agencies. The Joint Commission and the California Hospital Association also offer guidance and resources for hospitals on how to implement emergency management plans. The Joint Commission’s website includes a comprehensive list of resources for hospitals and their emergency operations plans. The website also includes links to resources about establishing and updating hospital emergency plans. The CHA also offers webinars to help hospitals and other healthcare organizations prepare for emergencies.
Emergencies can strike anytime, day or night. From natural disasters like hurricanes to man-made emergencies, hospitals must be prepared to manage a wide range of situations. In addition to the COVID-19 virus, hospitals may be the epicenter of an epidemic or other mass casualty situation. In such cases, hospitals must be prepared to provide medical care, which is essential for patient safety. A hospital that fails to prepare for these situations can make a situation worse than it already is. As Hurricane Katrina illustrates, hospitals can’t afford to be unprepared.
The CHA has developed a Hospital Repopulation After Evacuation Guidelines and Checklist, which identifies operational best practices and regulatory requirements for sheltering in place. This resource also includes a decision-making algorithm. The checklist is not a replacement for an emergency plan or a disaster response plan. It is a guideline, and a starting point to improve hospital preparedness. It’s important for hospitals to understand the specific requirements for the checklist in your region.
Elements
The Elements of Who Hospital Emergency Response Checklist are meant to enhance the planning and coordination efforts of hospitals. The checklist must be based on a facility or community-based risk assessment. The checklist should include strategies to address potential disasters and emergency events, the population served, and the services available in an emergency. The checklist should also address the following topics: communication, delegation of authority, succession plans, and temperature control for patient safety.
The Department of Health and Human Services provides guidance for hospitals and healthcare systems regarding emergency operations plans, and steps to attain accreditation. The organization’s Emergency Management Portal contains information on new and revised standards and recommended procedures. The California Hospital Association also provides resources and information on the use of emergency management plans. This list should be kept current to ensure patient safety. There are many other resources available for hospitals, including the Joint Commission. A few of the most relevant resources are listed below.
The elements of WHO Hospital Emergency Response Checklist include fire detection and extinguishing systems, alarm systems, and a tracking system. The list also includes responsibilities for staff, transportation, and safe shelter in place. In addition to these, hospitals should consider implementing a communications plan. The list should also include the identification of evacuees. Finally, a plan should specify primary and alternate ways to contact external sources of assistance.