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.
ICS 300/400 courses are not a requirement for health care under the “NIMS Implementation for Healthcare Organizations Guidance”.
Creating immediate surge capacity for critically injured patients in a mass casualty incident (MCI) is critical in MCI response. However, the current era of hospital overcrowding and emergency department (ED) boarding has undermined the ability of the ED to create surge capacity. Brigham and Women’s Hospital has leveraged the buffer zone concept within their ED to temporarily and rapidly increase capacity to care for critical patients during an MCI.
In this CHA-member on-demand learning session, Dr. Goldberg highlights Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s experience with developing and implementing buffer zones as part of their institution’s MCI plans and highlight the lessons learned during the operationalization of their buffer zone plan.
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The 2025 Behavioral Health Care Symposium is in Sacramento, and it is shaping up to be a great opportunity for behavioral health care professionals.
In disaster events, resources for treating pediatric victims may be limited, and staff inexperienced with treating pediatric critical injuries and illnesses will result in an inadequate surge capacity. As part of preparedness, each facility should predetermine their ability to handle pediatric victims and develop a plan to be able to increase this capacity based on a pediatric surge.
All skilled-nursing and nursing facilities are required by federal regulations to “have detailed written plans and procedures to meet all potential emergencies and disasters, such as fire, severe weather, and missing residents.” California’s Health and Safety Code and California’s Code of Regulations – Title 22, (T22) specify the “details” that are required in the facility emergency plan. To help facilities prepare for the external disaster plan review during the annual survey process, the Department of Homeland Security has developed an optional self-assessment tool.
Developed by the California Hospital Association’s Hospital Preparedness Program, this tool is designed to assist in evaluating and enhancing hospital surge capacity planning. It provides a comprehensive list of key components of surge planning, including staffing, space, supplies, communication, patient care, quality, training, and exercises.
Developed by Rady Children’s Hospital & San Diego County Healthcare Disaster Council, this curriculum aims to prepare hospitals to meet the response challenges in disasters where there is a surge of child victims.
2023 Disaster Conference – Best Practice Showcase
Shared by the Alameda County Emergency Services Agency, the California Patient Movement Surge Playbook Poster outlines a framework for managing complex patient transfers and hospital capacity challenges during catastrophic events. It identifies gaps in patient movement, coordination priorities, and best practices.