Hospital Evacuation Plans

2008-04-23 15:38:38

( Insurance )



The Need for Hospital Evacuation

Even a hospital, which handles emergency cases, will need to be evacuated in times of extreme emergency and danger. Wars, terrorism, and natural disasters can make even the safest place in the community vulnerable to injury and harm from external factors.

Like any other institution or workplace, hospitals need a set of evacuation plans and procedures to follow in case of emergency situations.

Components of a Hospital Evacuation Plan

The hospital evacuation plan contains important details of the hospital's physical facilities. Diagrams should show where the fire exits and extinguishers are on each floor or area of the building. Certain codes and icons should also indicate which areas may be safely accessed by disabled people.

Each member of the hospital staff must be given their individual roles on what to do during emergency evacuations. Hospital evacuation procedures must state how to handle the transport and exit of patients, especially those who are housed in intensive care units or surgical wards.

The Medical Evacuation Team

This team is primarily responsible for ensuring that hospital evacuation procedures are properly followed. Hospital units who may have special problems can request medical evacuation team members for extra support during the evacuation process. The medical evacuation team assists patients and medical staff who may have difficulties in evacuating or who have been injured in the process. With fire extinguishers, axes and tools on hand, they rescue trapped people and also provide first aid.

Setting Up a Hospital Evacuation Plan

The hospital building must first conform to standard building safety codes, with all the proper emergency equipment in place. Building engineers must recommend the lay-outs of all emergency exits and equipment.

Before starting hospital operations, illustrations of fire exits and evacuation routes must be posted on the walls in every floor of the building. Diagrams can be prepared with the help of computer software to ensure accuracy.

Members of the medical evacuation team should be selected and trained thoroughly. Other hospital staff also need to be informed on the evacuation plan and procedures. The hospital administration should also conduct regular fire and other disaster drills to ensure that all the staff is always prepared in case of the inevitable.


All rights Reserved © Tradenet Services srl
Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form.