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PrintCRMC Undergoes Evaluation in Disaster Scenario
Colquitt Regional Medical Center held a mock disaster evaluating staff’s response and preparation for emergency situations. The scenario presented notice that a chemical spill occurred at a local plant and employees were exposed and ill. Seven mock victims arrived at the hospital acting ill and contaminated with a hazardous chemical.
Upon notice of the accident, CRMC activated its “HazMat” disaster plan and quickly initiated a decontamination station located outside the emergency room to confine and remove the hazardous chemical from victims. CRMC acted as they would in a real emergency, the facility went into lock down restricting entrances into the hospital. “This is done to ensure the safety of patients, visitors and staff. It keeps potentially contaminated victims isolated to a designated area and reduces the risk of contaminating others.” says Bob Howe, director of facility operations and the acting incident commander.
FEMA and Joint Commission require hospitals to conduct disaster exercises semiannually to exercise six target areas of concentration. Hospitals evaluate communication, resource and assets, safety and security, staff responsibilities, utilities management, and patient clinical and support activities.
“This scenario allowed us to initiate a decontamination station and evaluate our process during which we found the need to address its location in an actual emergency situation.” says Howe. “Overall, the hospital staff came through the evaluation fine and made sure all the patient’s needs were met.”
This mock disaster exercise was observed by Russell Moody, Colquitt County Emergency Management Manager. His role was to recognize any areas of weakness so the hospital can be better prepared in a real event.