James E.M. Bender, BS, EMT-P

Qualitative Study EMS Region 2 of Illinois What is surge capacity? Are there any standards of surge capacity (met?) Barriers and Best Practices

My Story

What is Surge Capacity? Surge Capacity is the ability of a hospital to expand its capacity to add additional beds, beyond the hospitals State licensed beds during a declared emergency. Hospitals have to make the decision to go from a standard of care to a sufficiency of care.

Identified Surge Capacity Prime Mover is the JC standards and ASPR (HRSA) grants. Reference (2003 Bioterror grants) 500 acute beds per million population Region has: 3731 Licensed Patient Care Beds 876 Surge Capacity Beds 100 Surge Beds from Mobile Hospital

Hospital Policy Addresses surge capacity through non- traditional patient care areas and non- traditional beds. No standard of what is a surge bed / acuity of patient. Public expects healthcare response during a disaster!

Barrier: Policy and Regulation Expect Surge Capacity Joint Commission IDPH approved Regional Disaster Medical Plan Grants

Barrier: Policy and Regulation Illinois Hospital Act The Emergency Medical Treatment And Labor Act (EMTALA)…Remember to get your 1135 waiver HIPPA Illinois Emergency Management Act What is a Public Health Emergency? Gov. suspend acts for 30 days Does not address emergency opening of hospitals.

Conclusion Hospitals have made great strides in EM in the last 10 years. Willing and wanting to be a first responder Get very little support from regulatory authorities. There are best practices: California has implemented an entire program on surge and alternative care sites.

Thank You Research paper at: Comprehensive Emergency Management Research Network