General Pediatrics: All Areas
General Pediatrics 2
George Foltin, MD (he/him/his)
Principal Investigator
State University of New York Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine
Irvington, New York, United States
Children are frequently victims of disasters. However, gaps remain in disaster planning for pediatric patients. The New York City Pediatric Disaster Coalition (NYCPDC) is funded by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to prepare NYC for pediatric mass casualty incidents including surge and evacuation.
Objective:
The NYC PDC conducted a first in NYC full-scale exercise testing evacuation, patient tracking, communications, and emergency response of the Obstetrics, Newborn and Neonatal units at a New York City hospital. The objective of the exercise was to evaluate current Ob/Newborn/Neonatal plans and assess the hospital’s ability to evacuate patients.
Design/Methods:
The exercise planning process included a review of existing hospital Ob/Newborn/Neonatal plans, four general group planning meetings, targeted meetings with unit team members and plan revisions. The exercise incorporated scenario-driven, operations-based activities, which challenged participants to employ the facility's existing evacuation plans during an emergency. Mannequins/simulators were used as virtual patients. The Exercise assessed the following: Communication, Emergency Operation Plans, Evacuation, Patient Tracking, Supplies and Staffing. Internal and external evaluators rated exercise performance. Evaluators completed an exercise evaluation guide based on the Master Scenario Event List.
Results:
An After-Action Report was written based on the information from the exercise evaluation guides, participant feedback forms, hot-wash session, and after-action review meeting. Strengths identified by participants included improvement of plans before the exercise, and meeting exercise objectives. Lessons learned included: addressing gaps in effective internal and external communications, adequate supplies of space, staff, equipment needed for vertical evacuations; providing staging and alternate care sites with sufficient patient care and electrical-power resources.
Conclusion(s):
The NYCPDC conducted a successful first in NYC Full Scale Evacuation Exercise that involved a Hospital’s Ob/Newborn and Neonatal Units. The exercise identified strengths in pre-planning as well as some gaps in the response. The lessons learned are being utilized to operationalize and improve existing hospital plans to prepare for future full-scale exercise and or real-time events.