Citation

Barnett J, Dennis-Rouse M, Martinez V. Orthop. Nurs. 2009; 28(1): 17-20.

Affiliation

Emergency Department Manager, Pomerado Hospital, Poway, CA. Emergency Department Clinical Nurse Specialist, Pomerado Hospital, Poway, CA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses)

DOI

10.1097/01.NOR.0000345849.32424.0a

PMID

19190472

Abstract

Disaster preparedness in the healthcare setting traditionally focuses on accepting the capacity surge and influx of patients in time of crisis. The concept of a hospital evacuation is given little thought, and minimal time is spent practicing even though healthcare organizations have identified a hazard vulnerability that may require a full-scale evacuation. One healthcare organization recently pushed its staff to stretch its idea of disaster preparedness when it evacuated a community hospital and skilled nursing facility to ensure the safety of its patients and staff. The success of the evacuation was attributed to communication, preplanning, and leadership within the organization.

Language: en