Emergency Preparedness

1
Emergency Preparedness

• Healthcare Workers

2
Session Objectives

• You will be able to
• Identify workplace hazards that could cause an
  emergency
• Report emergencies promptly
• Carry out emergency responsibilities
• Evacuate quickly and safely
• Respond to emergency situations effectively

3
What You Need to Know

• Workplace hazards that could lead to an emergency
• How to report emergencies
• Emergency responsibilities
• Evacuation routes and procedures
• Response to fires and chemical/biohazard
  emergencies

4
Are You Prepared?

• How would you react to a fire alarm?
• What would you do in a natural disaster such as a
  violent storm?
• Do you know your role if there were a serious
  chemical or biohazard incident?
• How would you respond to an act of violence?

5
OSHA Requirements

• Evacuation and exit routes
• Alarm systems
• Protective measures
• Training
• Emergency action and fire prevention plans

6
Types of EmergenciesYou Could Face

• Fires and explosions
• Chemical and biohazard incidents
• Natural disasters
• Violence

7
Fire Hazards Electrical

• Overloaded electrical systems
• Damaged wires and cords
• Damaged plugs
• Defective equipment

8
Fire Hazards Flammable Chemicals

• Dont smoke around flammable chemicals
• Store flammables properly
• Dispense flammables properly
• Read MSDSs and labels

9
Fire Hazards Smoking And Housekeeping

• Smoke only in designated areas
• Make sure cigarettes and matches are completely
  extinguished
• Keep your work area clean and neat
• Properly dispose of fire hazards such as
  combustible trash

10
Chemical Release Hazards

• Look for signs of chemical spills
• Report leaking containers immediately
• Dont attempt a cleanup unless you are trained
  and equipped

11
Biohazards

• Contagious diseases
• Infectious microorganisms in laboratories
• Foodborne illness
• Mold

12
Natural Disaster Hazards

• Flooding
• Tornado
• Hurricane
• Earthquake

13
Violence Hazards

• Workplace violence
• Civil disturbance
• Terrorist acts

14
Hazard Identification

• Do you understand the information that has been
  presented so far?

15
Be Prepared to Respond Effectively to Emergencies

• Find out what you need to know now
• Prepare yourself to act correctly
• Participate in emergency drills
• Become familiar with emergency plans and
  coordinators
• Keep emergency exits clear

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Know How to Report an Emergency

• Location of alarm boxes
• How to activate them
• Who to call
• What to report

17
Understand Emergency Responsibilities

• Handle only tasks youve been assigned and
  trained for
• Understand exactly whats expected of you
• Carry out responsibilities only if you can do so
  safely

18
Patient Evacuation Responsibilities

• Understand a patients condition before moving
• Know specific patient removal procedures
• Be able to locate assigned safe areas inside or
  outside the facility

19
Know Your Evacuation Route(s)

• Have at least two escape routes from your work
  area
• Know where emergency exits are located in other
  parts of the facility
• Know where to go for roll call once safely outside

20
Be Familiar with Evacuation Procedures

• Recognize the evacuation signal and listen for
  instructions
• Alert co-workers and patients
• Shut down equipment
• Go directly to the nearest safe exit

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Evacuation Procedures (cont.)

• Move quickly but calmly
• Follow directions from emergency response
  personnel
• Proceed to the assembly area
• Do not leave the area until instructed

22
Notification and Evacuation

• Questions?

23
Respond Safely to Fires

• Remove yourself from danger
• Trigger the alarm
• Retrieve a fire extinguisher
• Call for additional help
• Continually evaluate the situation for the
  necessity to evacuate
• Dont try to fight large, spreading fires yourself

24
Fire Response Extinguishing Systems

• Portable extinguisher
• Fire hose
• Fire suppression systems

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Fire ResponseExtinguisher Types

• AFor combustibles such as trash, wood, or paper
• BFor flammable liquids or gases
• CFor electrical fires
• ABCMultipurpose

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Fire Response Extinguisher Use

• Pull the pin
• Aim at the base of the fire
• Squeeze the trigger
• Sweep back and forth

27
Respond Safely to Chemical/Biohazards

• Evacuate the area
• Shut doors and windows
• Notify a supervisor or the emergency coordinator
  immediately
• Remove ignition sources (if safe to do so)
• Do not return to the area until instructed

28
Key Points to Remember

• Fires, chemicals/biohazards, natural disasters,
  and violence can cause workplace emergencies
• Be sure you know evacuation routes, emergency
  procedures, and emergency responsibilities
• Ask if you have questions about emergency
  preparedness dont wait for a real emergency