Hospitals must be prepared to respond to public health emergencies that may create a sudden demand on services. Disaster drills allow hospitals to test response capabilities to these emergencies in real time.
Hospitals are required to conduct drills and exercises for accreditation and/or grant requirement(s).
There are 7 types of exercises. Exercises are either discussion based, or operations-based. Discussions-based exercises familiarize participants with current plans, policies, agreements and procedures, or may be used to develop new plans, policies, agreements, and procedures.
ShakeOut is an annual earthquake drill and preparedness activity that promotes earthquake preparedness and safety. Originating in Southern California in 2008, ShakeOut has since expanded to other regions and countries around the world.
First implemented in 2004, Cal OES’ annual state-level exercise series has become the most comprehensive preparedness exercise program in the country. The annual exercise series is designed to assess emergency operations plans, policies, and procedures for all-hazards/catastrophic incidents at the local, regional, state, and federal levels.
This tool was was developed by the CHA Hospital Preparedness Program to assist hospitals in developing, implementing, and assessing their preparedness exercises.
The Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) is a capabilities and performance-based exercise program that provides a standardized methodology and terminology for exercise design, development, conduct, evaluation, and improvement planning.
CHA developed the attached the Shelter-In-Place Planning Checklist, which includes a decision-making algorithm for shelter-in-place and evacuation activation and may be used to assist hospitals with developing, reviewing, or updating their plans. The checklist is intended to help hospitals ensure that elements listed have been addressed in their plans, policies, and procedures.
Developed by the Institute for Crisis, Disaster and Risk Management at George Washington University, these comprehensive guidelines are specific to health care emergency management and detail the roles and responsibilities of all personnel — including health care leaders, emergency management program managers, and patient care providers — during emergency response and recovery.