Hospitals Archives

COVID-19 – Emergency Plans and Readiness Exercises

Rick Christ October 4, 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, plans’ failures had little to do with the genomic sequence of the virus and more about what these plans were not: familiar, equitable and inclusive, interconnected and scalable, clear and actionable, and resilient.

Reducing Workplace Violence in Healthcare Facilities

Corina Solé Brito September 27, 2023

Violence in healthcare facilities significantly challenges patients, providers, support staff, visitors, and first responders. However, healthcare-specific information and tools can help protect staff, patients, and others in these facilities.

Planning for A Cross-Country Special Event

Mark Howell and Laurel J. Radow September 27, 2023

A solar eclipse is a unique form of special event that does not always fall under emergency planning protocols, but it should. This article urges preparedness professionals to collaborate with eclipse planning committees to ensure the safety and security of all those involved.

Cybersecurity in Hospitals and the Public Health Sector

Dan Scherr and Tanya M. Scherr September 20, 2023

Cyberattacks on healthcare systems affect millions of patients each year. It is critical for agencies and organizations to build a culture of compliance and awareness for the system’s security and the safety of the patients.

Responding to the Call – The Cost of Caring for Others

Mary Schoenfeldt September 13, 2023

There is a cost to caring for others, but it does not need to be a lifelong debt that continues to overwhelm the people who stepped up and those around them. The cost can be manageable with the right plan of support and the willingness to explore coping options.

Bioterrorism – Could Smallpox Return?

Robert C. Hutchinson September 6, 2023

Although smallpox was eradicated from its human population and reservoir, it is still in designated stockpiles controlled by two nations and possibly in other unknown locations. Learn about the possible threat and the need for greater preparedness and discussion.

Deploying With Adult Non-Prescription Medication Kits

Richard (Kirk) Higgins August 16, 2023

The availability of non-prescription medications may mean the difference between a successful deployment and needing to return home ahead of schedule. As such, first responders should consider non-prescription medication kits as part of their pre-deployment planning.

Long-Term Care Facilities in Emergency Preparedness Planning

Tanya M. Scherr and Dan Scherr July 19, 2023

An important part of community emergency preparedness planning includes long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, dialysis, home care centers, or hospice facilities. Plans must in place for these facilities to care for the residents in their care during emergencies.

Are Public Health Agencies Ready, or Just Prepared?

Raphael M. Barishansky June 21, 2023

Is it time to retire the term public health preparedness and replace it with public health readiness? When building emergency planning efforts and response capabilities, jurisdictions and local health entities must reconfigure existing plans with the readiness factor in mind.

Biosafety Laboratory Issues and Failures

Robert C. Hutchinson April 12, 2023

Concerns regarding unexpected biological incidents and their public health implications were discussed in a 2014 Domestic Preparedness biosecurity and bioterrorism article. From the improper possession and storage of decades-old live smallpox virus in a former Food and Drug Administration laboratory (lab) on the National Institute of Health (NIH) campus to

Guidance for Preparing Professionals Mentally for the Worst

James Greenstone and Weldon Walles March 22, 2023

Professional groups have debated and researched the best practices relating to the standards and quality of care sufficient to maintain minimum standards during a disaster. Due to the fluid nature of a disaster, it is difficult to abide by a standard that will fit every situation. For example, the onset

Linking Resilience and Innovation for Emergency Preparedness

Nia D'Emilio and Christopher Tarantino February 15, 2023

Most industries suggest a certain level of resilience and innovation. It is important to get through challenging times to keep a company going, and “innovate or die” has long been a mantra of the business world. While these concepts – or in some cases, buzzwords – come up in various lines of

TWITTER

Get Instant Access

Subscribe today to Domestic Preparedness and get real-world insights for safer communities.