Full-Scale Mock Exercise And Drills To Take Place In Mid-November
St. Vincent employees and local emergency responders will take part in a mock disaster drill on November 14 at St. Vincent Evansville Hospital, 3500 Washington Avenue, and November 16 at St. Vincent Warrick Hospital, 1116 Millis Avenue, Boonville. Both drills will begin at 9 a.m. and aims to test the preparedness and response of hospital medical staff and local responders should a real crisis occur.
The event is being staged by the St. Vincent Emergency Management Sub-Committee in partnership with the Evansville and Boonville Police Departments. At least 20 St. Vincent associates will play the roles of patients and family members in addition to local police officers and other community organizations who will participate in the event.
The scenario of the drill will involve individuals who have been injured and being held hostage due to an active shooter. Victims presented to the Emergency Room will be triaged and treated. Additional treatment will be monitored throughout the hospital as prescribed by physician orders. This may include medical imaging, operating room or surgeries and/or admission to medical floors. The Hospital Incident Command Team will also test communication for efficient patient flow and resource management.
“It’s always unfortunate when a tragedy occurs and recent events in cities like Las Vegas and New York make this training even more valuable,†said Keith Kahre, Safety Officer, St. Vincent. “These drills allow us to develop best practices and assurance that we have prepared ourselves for the worst if a disaster were to occur.â€
Emergency staff and drill participants with mock injuries may be seen by motorists and pedestrians during the drill. St. Vincent is urging the local media to alert the public not to be alarmed because everything will be based on fictional circumstances. Normal hospital operations and patient care will not be affected by the drill in anyway.
Hospitals are required by the Joint Commission to have disaster response plans in place and conduct periodic drills for improvement and training purposes.
