MCDH well-prepared in case of natural disaster

11/16/06

Imagine a 7.9 magnitude earthquake centered in the Bay Area just north of San Francisco.  Our north coast communities would shake, likely resulting in numerous local injuries and significant structural damage.  Would our local hospital be prepared?

The answer is a resounding “yes.”   Mendocino Coast District Hospital participated in the Statewide Medical and Health Disaster Exercise that simulated the major earthquake described above in the early hours of Wednesday, November 15.  The disaster re-call phone tree was activated to call in staff starting at 6:00 a.m., and the Incident Command Center was established shortly thereafter.

During the drill, the hospital was inspected for earthquake damage and determined to be structurally sound.  All off-duty staff were called to determine how many would be available to return to the hospital in an emergency.  Medical supplies, including bandages, sutures, blood and oxygen, were inventoried and arrangements made to secure additional supplies as needed.  Triage areas and alternate care sites were established to handle the influx of patients, and adequate food and water supplies for patients, employees and dependents were ensured.

In addition, staff tested five different modes of communication with the outside world, and made arrangements to accept additional patients from “over the hill” and share surplus supplies and available staff with areas experiencing greater need.  Many local and statewide agencies participated in the disaster drill, and the network of communications functioned with few glitches.

The Disaster Exercise took place on the newly arrived CEO Raymond Hino’s third day at MCDH.  “I am impressed with the level of organization at this hospital.  In a major earthquake event, we will in all likelihood be isolated here on the coast, and I am confident that the community can rely on this hospital in such an emergency,” said Hino.

As a result of this disaster exercise, MCDH staff has identified a need for a list of all licensed health care workers who reside in Fort Bragg – Mendocino and surrounding areas who would be willing to come to the hospital to help care for victims in the event of a true disaster.  “We are requesting that all licensed personnel interested in helping to contact Marcia Weeks at MCDH at 961-4601,” added Hino.

By participating in regular disaster drills, the hospital and our community are better prepared to face an actual disaster, should one occur.  Regular drills include simulated natural disasters, bioterrorism events or major accidents.