Hospitals are required by The Joint Commission to monitor performance and evaluate each exercise or actual event using a multidisciplinary process that involves licensed independent practitioners. During an exercise, individuals are to be designated to observe performance and document opportunities for improvement.
The After Action Report (AAR) captures observations of an exercise and makes recommendations for post-exercise improvements. The AAR then is used to develop Improvement Plans (IP). HSEEP AAR examples can be found on the HSEEP website.
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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.
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.
Consistent with the blanket waiver request submitted by the American Hospital Association (AHA), the Federal Communication Commission has adopted an order that permits the use of HAM radios during hospital disaster drills.
2023 Disaster Conference – Best Practice Showcase
Shared by Sutter Health Sacramento, this tool details how the hospital conducted a fire exercise to prepare for the potential event of a real fire in a patient care area with patient and staff involvement. The drill allowed the hospital to work with the local fire department to to test egress locations, access water, and attempt patient rescue into the fire stairways. The event was coordinated with Plant Operations to test fire alarms, doors, audible alarms, visual strobes, and other components that are designed to alert occupants of an emergency .
2024 Disaster Conference
Discover practical strategies for leveraging resources, technology, and emergency management expertise to streamline the AAR writing process. From exercises to real-life incidents, learn how to transform insights gathered into actionable recommendations that enhance organizational resilience.
2024 Disaster Conference
This presentation prepares newer disaster planners with exercise drill skills. It provides exercise regulatory information from The Joint Commission and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, design strategies, and planning considerations for various types of disaster exercises. Newer exercise design planners will become more disaster resilient while understanding how to effectively evaluate and document an EP exercise to meet their requirements. This session provides best practice information and the tools for post-disaster exercise meetings, forms, documentation, and after-action/process improvement.
2023 Disaster Conference – Best Practice Showcase
Shared by Sutter Roseville Medical Center, this resource details how active shooter/active threat drills and education have proven to be successful. Following the drills, personnel felt less distress and more comfortable with emergency responses. Preparing for these types of incidents pose challenges, but not preparing can be devastating. Active threats can involve more than just shooters with firearms– threats can include guns, knives or even explosives. Healthcare facilities must plan and prepare for the worst-case scenario.