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Hospital Emergency Procedures

Hospitals are where individuals most often go for emergency situations. Even in the confines of a hospital, precautions must be taken to ensure emergency situations are handled properly. Hospitals usually have a general plan for power outages, threat of a hold up or bomb and hazardous material exposure.

  1. Loss of Power

    • Since loss of power means hospital activity shuts down, it is imperative that staff and patients are safe. It is also important that medical care needing powered equipment is maintained during an emergency. In general, hospital facilities have generators set in place for prolonged power outages. In the case of power outage, notify the manager on duty or after-hours support. Describe the situation in detail. Most of the time, power outages occur in an isolated area or floor, and a generator will properly handle the situation.

    Holdup

    • In the case of a holdup, obey the instructions of the perpetrator. Observe details of the person. For example, note physical details and clothing. Also, take note of distinguishing marks or characteristics. Note anything taken or touched and the weapon the perpetrator possesses. When possible dial 911, and state in plain English, "Holdup." Tell the exact location and what events took place. Record all details of the incident.

    Hazardous Materials

    • When a hazardous material is suspected, separate persons from the hazard. Contact 911, and state "Hazardous material alert." Identify the exact location and type of material. If needed, request medical attention for individuals having difficulty breathing, or if anyone collapses. Do not come into contact with the hazardous material. If possible, evacuate staff and patients, and do not allow re-entry until cleared by authorities.

    Bomb Threat

    • The first precaution to take in a bomb threat is to stay calm. Document, and record all words of the threat. Ask these key questions: "When will the bomb explode? What does it look like? What will make it explode? Where did you put the bomb? What kind of bomb is it? Why did you place the bomb?" Keep the person talking, if possible, and put other staff on alert. Call local authorities, and state, "Bomb threat." Tell of the location of bomb and expected time to explode. Follow all emergency procedures.

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