How often should health care facilities conduct emergency preparedness drills?

Healthcare facilities should conduct emergency preparedness drills regularly to ensure that staff is adequately prepared to respond to emergencies effectively. The frequency of drills may vary depending on the type of facility, its size, and the level of risk it faces. However, it is generally recommended that healthcare facilities conduct drills at least twice a year, with one of those drills being a full-scale exercise that involves all staff and departments.

Drills should cover various types of emergencies, including fires, natural disasters, power outages, active shooter situations, and medical emergencies. They should also include different levels of response, such as partial evacuations, full evacuations, and shelter-in-place procedures.

By conducting regular drills, healthcare facilities can ensure that staff is familiar with emergency procedures, can respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies, and can coordinate effectively with other agencies and organizations.