Medical and health preparedness activities rarely address radiological emergencies and the unique attributes of radiological exposure and contamination. Hospitals and local jurisdictions that plan for medical surge of contaminated patients will save thousands of lives without endangering their workforce or disrupting other operations.
Hospitals can face significant challenges in managing their N95 mask supplies, especially during public health emergencies. Calculating N95 supply needs is invaluable in ensuring that health care facilities can maintain adequate inventory levels while minimizing waste.
2022 Disaster Conference – Best Practice Showcase
Shared by Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center, this tool details the background, purpose, methods, results, and conclusions stemming from the August 2020 wildfire in Santa Cruz County that placed the hospital at risk for evacuation. The resource offers an inside look into the considerations weighed by the emergency response team, details how risk factors were analyzed, and shows evacuation methods considered as the event unfolded.
This resource provides a general overview of applicable OSHA standards and can be useful to California hospitals in maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for their employees. Interpretations and enforcement policies evolve, so hospitals are advised to consult the latest OSHA administrative interpretations and rulings from the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and the courts for further guidance on compliance requirements.
2023 Disaster Conference – Best Practice Showcase
This resource highlights considerations in planning for food and water supplies to support patients, staff, and community members during disasters. Key elements include performing a hazard vulnerability analysis, ensuring compliance with CMS requirements, establishing protocols for subsistence, and creating adaptable menus. The poster also emphasizes regulatory compliance and practical considerations, like backup power, sanitation, and the ability to prepare food without utilities.
Many hospitals used to develop specific plans for a variety of disaster and emergency situations. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) now requires that hospitals use an emergency management system that is comprehensive, risk based, and all-hazard in nature.
EMSA/CDPH Collaboration The California Patient Movement Plan provides statewide guidance for large-scale patient movement and serves as framework for local planning efforts. Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) and California Department of Public Health (CDPH) will conduct training and exercises based on the plan.
Cybersecurity is integral to hospital emergency response efforts, as it protect sensitive information, maintains operational continuity, prevents disruptions, combats disinformation, secures critical infrastructure, and facilitates collaboration among stakeholders.
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.