For healthcare workers, it is not of question of if, but when an emergency will strike. Emergencies can take many forms and are among the most disruptive experiences that healthcare workers might encounter. Being prepared not only saves lives, but can prevent financial and property loss, and ensure the safety and well-being of entire communities. Having a plan helps staff, patients, families, and residents know what to do, where to go, and how to keep themselves safe during an emergency, and ensures access to essential information and equipment. This Emergency Preparedness and Response Series, told through the lens of those who have experienced emergencies in their settings, will help you prepare and train for emergencies, and anticipate potential hazards when an emergency occurs.
Session 1 April 20, 2023 12 -1:00 PM ET When Things Get Real!
| In this real-world presentation, healthcare providers who have firsthand experience with emergency events will share their stories and insights to aid listeners in their own emergency planning | In this session participants will: ·Identify key components of emergency plans. ·Recognize, in comparison to the stories shared, if their emergency plans and staff are prepared for a real event. ·Apply actions and insights prompting review of their own EPPs. | Tracy Pate, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Specialist Stacey Radcliffe, LNHA Larkin Chase, MD |
Session 2 April 27, 2023 12 – 1:00 PM ET You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know
| Collaboration is the key to success in preparing for and navigating an actual emergency. Hear the stories of those who have managed the emergency response during Hurricane Michael, a category 3-4 storm in October 2018, to ensure safety and success through collaboration with other organizations and partners. | In this session participants will: ·Recognize community partners who can have a positive impact on preparations and planning. ·Consider potential partners that should be brought into your organization’s plan. | Seth Maxwell Archibald Hospital, Thomasville, GA Julie Miller Phoebe Memorial Hospital, Albany, GA Sandi Cole FEMA Resource Specialist Health Care Coalition Member |
Session 3 May 4, 2023 12 – 1:00 PM ET The Impact of Trauma
| Community response to emergencies, whether fire, flood or natural disasters, can be traumatizing and harrowing for family, residents, patients and staff. The impact can be lasting, causing transfer trauma and even higher mortality for people living with dementia. This discussion will offer insights and strategies to lessen the impact. | In this session participants will: · Recognize the impact of traumatic emergencies on family, residents, patients and staff. · Identify preparations, education and training that might be needed now to mitigate problems during or after an emergency. | Vince Gildone-EMS Chief Sue Anne Bell |
Session 4 May 11, 2023 12 – 1:00 PM ET The Media at Your Door
| Our final session provides the opportunity to share, ask and hear from experts and other participants related to handling both local and national media and cameras right outside your door | In this session participants will: · Discuss some of the challenges and mitigation strategies they experience · Dealing with media and rumor control · Communicating with families, dealing with challenging situations, when the story turns negative on social media Staff policies for social media use | Tracy Pate, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Specialist Steve Bosso, Assistant Fire Chief, Twinsburg |