Emergency Preparedness
Hospitals are constantly planning ahead for emergency events such as fires, natural disasters or a pandemic influenza outbreak.
The news and resources below help hospitals put policies and equipment into place that would help protect patients and employees and ensure continuous care for the most vulnerable patients in an emergency situation. OHA maintains a separate Web site, www.PrepareOhio.com, with more comprehensive emergency preparedness information for hospitals.
Radiation Emergency Response Training Available
March 18, 2011:
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Waste Isolation Pilot Plant will have radioactive waste shipments transported along I-70 during June and July, and wants to ensure Ohio hospitals within 10 miles are prepared for any potential emergency response activities. The Ohio Department of Health’s Bureau of Radiation Protection (ODH-BRP), with the Council of State Governments and the DOE, will provide training options from April to June for hospitals to treat radiologically-contaminated or exposed patients.
Hospitals may choose from the following training options:
1) 7.5 hour radiological training for hospital staff performed by DOE contractor:
-Topics: Radiological basics, facility preparation, decontamination and patient care
-CEU’s available for doctors, nurses and radiological technologists
-Free survey meter(s) - courtesy of ODH-BRP
2) 1-2 hour Presentation by ODH-BRP:
-Brief summary of shipment and packaging and patient care
-Free survey meter(s)
3) 30-minute ODH-BRP meeting with the radiation safety officer, emergency room director and any interested parties from administration:
-Hard copies of ODH-BRP presentation
-Free survey meter(s)
The ODH-BRP has the capability to assist in triaging when large numbers of patients are affected and is available 24 hours a day for consultation at 614.644.2727.
Contact Robert Leidy of BRP at 330.643.3290 or Program Administrator Stephen Helmer at 614.728.3611 for additional information or to schedule training.
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