The Scenario
You are part of a regional network of four hospitals. A train derailment in a nearby town ruptures a tanker car of anhydrous ammonia creating a toxic gas cloud. Winds are carrying the cloud toward one of the hospitals potentially requiring that facility's evacuation. First responders on the scene are reporting as many as 60 injuries.
The Challenges
Outdated Policies and Procedures. One hospital does not have updated policies and procedures for this type of HazMat incident. As a result, the facilitys readiness to accept victims is delayed.
Evacuation Staffing. Hospital patients in the clouds path have to be moved into a secure and ventilated area or evacuated. However, several of the Hospital Command Center response personnel aren't on site.
Patient Surge. All facilities are trying to prepare to manage the surge of victims. The lack of a centralized system makes it difficult to locate appropriate contacts for each facility.
Resource Management. Coordination is not organized and respirators that were desperately needed in one hospital end up at the wrong facility.
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