(A164) Emergency Preparedness Model for a Level-One Trauma Center

Abstract

This Level-1 Trauma Center, with a service area covering a population of approximately four million people, treats approximately 80,000 patients per year. In 2010 it is anticipated that > 23,000 patients will be admitted, and > 850,000 patient encounters will occur within the network. This year was especially fruitful with the World Series, Dallas Cowboys, and other large crowd events simultaneously. The disaster plan prepares the hospital for the Super Bowl in February 2011, and its anticipated 250,000 extra people. The emergency preparedness program is a unique hybrid model integrating hospital accreditation guidelines, governmental guidelines, and regulations with the daily experiences at the trauma center. Emergency Preparedness is a program of the Trauma Department; this relationship provides a direct connection between the emergency preparedness program and direct execution of the plan. The emergency preparedness coordinator is responsible for directing the hospital command center at the time of a disaster requiring activation of the plan. The four phases of emergency planning: (1) Mitigation; (2) Preparedness; (3) Response; and (4) Recovery comprise the core of the plan. However, memoranda of understanding with local, regional, and state emergency operation professionals and organizations are enacted so depleted resources can be replenished. This integration provides for a flexible web that allows sharing of expertise and resources. Trauma Research is available for conducting measurable assessments of emergency preparedness drills and exercises, as well as actual disasters and emergencies where a paucity of research exists. Compliance with all relative agencies is important. A successful emergency preparedness plan directly incorporates daily experiences. This model allows for the continued provision of standards of care and continuity of service during disasters and emergency situations on a daily basis.