Emergency Management Facts and Myths by Donna L. Pitre, RN, BSN, CHSP

Emergency Management Facts and Myths Objectives  Understand TJC new EM chapter  Describe emergency credentialing  Identify communications means  Describe lessons learned (myths) encountered during Emergency Plan activations.

Emergency Management Facts and Myths Emergency-unexpected or sudden event that significantly disrupts the organization’s ability to provide care, or significantly disrupts the environment of care itself…  human-made  natural (electrical system failure, hurricane, tornado)

EMERGENCIES IMPACT ALL EMPLOYEES  As of 2009, TJC is separating the EM section of the EC chapter and making its own chapter Emergency Management Facts and Myths

EMERGENCIES IMPACT ALL EMPLOYEES  EM During disasters, the organization may grant disaster privileges to volunteer licensed independent practitioners. Emergency Management Facts and Myths

Volunteer practitioner requirements:  Government-issued photo identification And at least one of the following:  Current health care organization identification  Current license to practice.  Primary source verification of licensure  DMAT, MRC, ESAR-VHP authority  Confirmation by a LP currently privileged Emergency Management Facts and Myths

COMMUNICATION  TJC EM …how will the organization communicate during a disaster  Multiple mechanisms (Telephone, cell phones, Blackberries, 700/800 MHz, HAM, satellite phones, satellite internet connections, VHF, etc.) Emergency Management Facts and Myths

Myth: ICU and NICU patients should be moved first during an evacuation Lesson Learned: Arrival time of different EMT vehicles fluctuates

Emergency Management Facts and Myths Emergency Management Facts and Myths Myth: If there is an emergency, the hospital will be notified by the EMT service before they arrive. Lesson Learned: In emergency situations, EMT services may not have contact information

Emergency Management Facts and Myths Myth: Surprise disaster drills are good to test employee knowledge Lesson Learned: Surprise disaster drill put unnecessary stress on staff and my be ground for litigation.

Emergency Management Facts and Myths Myth: If there are problems during a drill, there will be problems during an actual emergency. If there are problems during a drill, there will be problems during an actual emergency. Lesson Learned: There is difficulty when conducting a drill compared to a real disaster.

Emergency Management Facts and Myths Myth: All disasters are catastrophic and involve hundreds of thousands of victims Lesson Learned: As few as 10 causalities can cause an emergency plan to be implemented. As few as 10 causalities can cause an emergency plan to be implemented.

Emergency Management Facts and Myths Myth: A digital camera is a perfect picture taking device during a disaster. Lesson Learned: Ensure enough batteries and a sufficient memory card.

Emergency Management Facts and Myths Myth: All of the forms that are needed during a disaster are copied on the network ready for use. Lesson Learned: The network may not accessible.

Emergency Management Facts and Myths Myth: External aid (state, federal) can be relied upon in the immediate post-disaster phase. Lesson Learned:

Emergency Management Facts and Myths (Shillerstrom, Business Insurance 2008)

Emergency Management Facts and Myths References: Kaji, Amy. (2005). Acute Care College Medical Student Seminar. Disaster Facts and Myths,. Retrieved July 7, 2008, from /acutecare/Docs/Disaster%20Facts%20and%20Myths%20(NXPowerLite).p pt database. The Joint Commission 2008: Hospital Accreditation Program Chapter: Emergency Management. The Joint Commission 2008: Hospital Accreditation Program Chapter: Emergency Management.