Emergency

Management

Welcome

Emergency management is a key focus for all organisations.

Would you know what to do if an alarm sounded? Would you

know who to approach about various hazards and risks?

This course covers requirements for safety procedures in respect

to emergency management, and is based on best practice

standards that are designed to be applied nationally. All

Australian jurisdictions have their own legislation on emergency

management and there are differences between them. Where

possible, we have highlighted where the differences may lie.

This course is designed for all employees in a workplace who

need to understand and manage various workplace emergency

situations. This understanding and management of workplace

emergencies will ensure your safety in the workplace.

Learning Objectives

On completion of this course, you should be able to:

• Define workplace emergency management;

• Describe the importance of workplace emergency

management legislation;

• State what your legal duties are;

• Determine your role in various types of workplace

emergencies.

• Recognise the various types of emergencies that could

impact the Friendly Society Private Hospital

What is an Emergency?

An event, actual or imminent, which endangers or threatens to

endanger life, property or the environment, and which requires a

significant and coordinated response.

Reference: Planning for emergencies- Healthcare facilities- AS 4083-2010

An event that arises internally, or from sources, which may

adversely affect the occupants or visitors in a facility, and requires

an immediate response.

Reference: Planning for emergencies in facilities- AS 3745-2010

So, what kind of situation is considered an emergency,

threat or disaster?

• Bomb threat

• External Emergency

• Internal Emergency

• Fire/ Smoke

• Personal Threat

• Medical Emergency, Cardiac Arrest

The coordinated response to any of the above situation is

referred to as Emergency Management

Emergency management consists of four phases:

The Friendly Society Private Hospital Emergency Management Plan is

designed to ensure that, in the event of an emergency situation occurring,

the Organisation/ staff are able to respond quickly and decisively in

ensuring we meet the following key priorities:

• Protect and save lives.

• Protect our property and the local environment..

The plan establishes a framework for

the effective handling of emergencies

and managing the return to normality.

The FSPH's approach brings

together four key elements:

Emergency

Prevention

• Risk management has four main stages:

1. Identify hazards- find out what the cause harm

2. Assess risks- understand the nature of the harm that could be caused by the

hazard, how serious the harm could be and the likelihood of it happening

3. Control risk implement the most effective control measure that is reasonably

practicable in the circumstances.

4. Review- Regular review control measure to ensure they are working as planned.

Poor Housekeeping Unsafe storage and

handling of chemical

Electricity

Deteriorating patient

Prevention management consist of a range of

measures implemented to eliminate or reduce the

incidence or severity of the emergency

Emergency

Preparedness

Policies / Procedures Emergency plans Maintaining contact details

up to date for all Staff-

Staff Responsibility

Annual Training/

Emergency Drills/

Competencies

Preparedness Management describes measures that are

designed to ensure that, should an emergency occur resources

and services are capable of coping with the effects.

Chain of Command Communication

equipment

Response Equipment Emergency

Evacuation Points

Chain of Command at FSPH The established hierarchy, already applying to normal work related activity, will generally apply during

an emergency; some areas will have nominated emergency officers (Area/ Fire Wardens). Unit

Managers, level 2, team leaders and Wardens in their specific areas will provide the initial control.

• On the arrival of the external Fire and Emergency Services (QFRS), the senior

officer in attendance will assume the role of Incident Commander or Chief

Warden. However, there will continue to be considerable reliance on effective

interaction between on-site staff and the emergency services.

Chief

Warden

Area

Warden

Warden Communication

Officers

Hospital Coordinator,

After Hours Coordinator

Chief Executive Officer

Nurse Unit Manager,

Office Managers,

Level 2‟s, Team Leaders

Any Employee as

directed by Area Warden

Administration Staff

Executive Committee Traffic

Wardens

Code Blue

Team

Chief Executive Officer , Chief Finance Officer, Director

Clinical Services, Operations Manager, Human Resource

Team, ADON - Clinical , ADON – Compliance

Purchasing staff/ Security

Officers

Designated Medical officer/

Nurses

Chief Warden:

On becoming aware of a possible emergency, the Chief Warden

will take the following actions:

Proceed to the fire alarm panel in main foyer

Ascertain the nature of the emergency and determine the appropriate actions.

Ensure the appropriate emergency services are notified, Chief Executive Officer or

delegee if necessary.

Advise Area Wardens on findings.

Control entry procedure Staff, Visitors and Public.

Initiate evacuation if necessary.

Brief the emergency services personnel upon arrival of the scope and location of the

emergency and the status of the evacuation and then act on the senior officer‟s

instructions. (The fire brigade / Police will assume full control of the emergency).

Advise the all clear if no emergency is found.

Conduct a debriefing as soon as practicable after every emergency.

The Chief Executive Officer will be responsible for the release of information to the

media in relation to all emergencies.

Note:

If 2 or more Chief Wardens are present the HC is to take control, CEO or delegee will control entry of public and media and assist the HC where required at front panel.

Area Warden:

On becoming aware of a possible emergency, the area wardens

will take the following actions:

Attend the Warden Intercom Phone (WIP) red phone in the various service areas.

Advise/ring Chief Warden or delegee on the alarm being activated.

Co-ordinate a search of the service areas.

Advise the Chief Warden of the results of the search (e.g. nature and extent of emergency)

or “all clear”.

Implement emergency procedure for service area if required.

Organise for emergency equipment and medications to be delivered to safe area if

evacuation is implemented.

Organise for the medical gas to be switched off.

Note:

The Area Warden will assume the responsibilities normally carried out by the Chief

Warden if the Chief Warden is unavailable

Warden:

Employees delegated as Wardens may be required to carry out a number of duties:

Conduct a search for possible emergency as instructed from Area Warden.

If fire/smoke is located, remove all non-essential personnel from the immediate area.

Alert Area Warden and employees, contact the appropriate emergency services by

operating the manual alarm point or telephone if required.

Check to ensure fire doors are properly closed.

Operate first attack fire fighting equipment, e.g. portable fire extinguishers, hose

reels and fire blankets provided this can be conducted without danger.

Conduct an evacuation if required.

Ensure orderly flow of persons into protected areas.

Assist mobility-impaired patients.

Move patients to assembly areas.

Collect computer print out for patient and staff allocation sheets.

Note:

The Warden may assume the responsibilities normally carried out by the Area

Warden if the Area Warden is unavailable.

Other Emergency Response

Personnel Executive Committee

Executive members’ role in an emergency:

CEO assists / control evacuation from building at main fire panel and attends to

any media concerns.

CFO controls the evacuation of ancillary staff from Unit 4 ground floor.

HR assist in assembly area Woondooma Street to communicate missing

patients, contractors or staff

ADON - Clinical to assist the area wardens to take control in affected area.

ADON - Compliance to assist in assembly area Crofton Street to communicate

missing patients, Contractors or staff.

Traffic Warden

Purchasing staff/ Security Officers

Traffic wardens have been appointed to assist with:

Directing personnel across the roads to assembly area.

Public traffic in adjoining streets.

Limiting access.

Communication

Officers

Administration Staff

Assist the chief/ Area wardens as needed to communicate to all other service

areas within the affected emergency zone.

Contact the appropriate emergency service by operating the manual alarm

point / or telephone 0-000 and ask for the fire police or ambulance as required.

Notify the appropriate internal personnel.

Code Blue Team

The Code Blue Response Team comprises of the following :

ICU Medical Officer

ICU nurse

Allocated Nurse from each Clinical Unit.

Communication during an emergency

Alerting External

Emergency Services Internal Emergency Communication

e.g. Police / Fire Brigade

must be alerted by calling

e.g. Fire / Evacuation

Emergencies

e.g. Personal threat or Medical

Emergencies

0-000 WIP Phone

PA system 8888

Fire Detection Systems When fire breaks out, every second counts. The earlier the fire can be

detected and the faster actions can be taken to ensure the safety of staff,

patient and visitors.

The hospital has 2 categories of fire detection systems.

Automatic Detection Systems Manually Activated Systems

Smoke/ Heat detectors Manual Call Points (MCP)

• Heat or smoke detectors

• Early Smoke Detection Alarms

• MCP are located strategically in

or near main hallways and

emergency exits.

Fire Suppression Systems The organisation has a number of fire suppression devices

assist in containing and extinguishing fires including the following

Fire Extinguishers

Hose reels

Fire blankets

Automatic

Sprinkler system

placed throughout

buildings including near

emergency exists in main

placed throughout

buildings including

near emergency

exists in main

corridors

suitable for containing

small fires. When

placed over the fire,

the blanket has a

smothering effect.

will operate

automatically when heat

causes the glass bulb to

break, releasing water

CO2

Extinguisher

• Electrical Fires

• Oils

Dry Powder

Extinguisher

• All fires

Designated evacuation areas

Depending on your workplace location will depend on the designated evacuation area.

• Building A + B- Woondooma Street Car park

• Building C + D- Crofton Street Car park

On arrival at your assembly area report to the delegated hospital member, who will check you off the roster on list.

No one is to re-enter the building unless directed by an authorised person

Emergency Evacuation assembly area In the event that a code orange is implemented, staff are to ensure they muster

at the designated assembly area.

Buildings A + B are to proceed to Woondooma Street Car park

Building C + D are to proceed to Crofton Street Car park

Workplace areas within Buildings A + B Ground Floor

Consulting Rooms

S&N Pathology/ BMI- Radiology

Friendlies Chemist/ Atrium Café

Pacific Plastic Surgery

Consulting Rooms B

WideBay Anesthetics Specialists

Friendlies Afterhours

Day Oncology

1st Floor

Bundaberg Cardiology

Education Centre

Unit 1/ Unit 2

ICU/CCU

2nd Floor

Friendlies Physiotherapy

Health Information

Main Generators

Unit 4

Workplace areas within Buildings C + D

Ground Floor

Day Surgery Unit

Jack Scott Unit (JSU)

Exec Services

Coral Coast Anesthesia

Purchasing Offices

Environmental Offices

Corporate Services

Information Services Department

Maintenance office

1st Floor

Unit 3

Unit 5

Hospital Coordinators Office

Kitchen

Board Room

Staff Development Department •Including training room

Emergency

Response

Code Purple- Bomb Threat

If you are involved in receiving a bomb threat, remember these key points:

• Keep calm. Do not do or say anything that may encourage irrational behaviour;

• Keep the caller on the line as long as possible.

-DON'T HANG UP;

• Obtain information if possible about the bomb and it's location;

• Listen carefully for any background noises or details that might indicate the age, sex, identity or location of the caller;

• Read and record the number from the phone display if possible;

• DO NOT discuss the call with other staff members;

• Immediately after the bomb threat, contact your Supervisor who will contact security to notify the police.

Code Black - Personal Threat

Code Black personal threat encompasses a number of areas, all of which display numerous variables

and characteristics. Due to the inherent nature of Code Black type emergencies, i.e. dealing with

people, it is always difficult to expect or plan for certain outcomes. It is the volatility of human nature

and emotion that ultimately dictates the way in which this type of emergency will play out.

Armed offender Unarmed offender

Under no circumstances should staff, patients or

visitors place themselves in further jeopardy

Stay calm. Do not act in such a manner that may

exacerbate the or cause it to become a catalyst

for life threatening outcomes.

Calling a Code Black from any phone within the organisation

1 Pick up Handset

2 Dial 8-8-8-8

3 A ring tone will be heard via the hand set, once the ring tone stops,

a click will be heard and the system is activated.

4 With Handset to your mouth, clearly announce

5

Telephone call for Dr Black to ………. Unit/ Area

(e.g. CCU please; Reception please)

Telephone call for Dr Black to ………. Unit/ Area

(e.g. CCU please; Reception please)

6 Dial 8

7 Replace Handset

Code Brown- External Threat

The police will determine the extent of the disaster and notify the emergency

organisations as needed. Should the Base Hospital require back-up assistance, they

will notify Friendly Society Private Hospital.

If you receive a telephone call requesting assistance record the following: • Who is calling,

• contact number,

• type of disaster,

• location of disaster,

• time of incoming call,

• requirements for assistance.

Advise manager of disaster & requirements

Prepare to check for availability of beds

Arrange for the preparation and receival of low risk patients from the base hospital

Be prepared to support disaster measures with both personnel and consumables, e.g • Medical equipment / supplies

• Food

• Linen

On request, arrange for medical equipment & supplies, food to be delivered to

disaster site

Document all equipment/supplies and consumables forwarded onto disaster site

Code Yellow - Internal Threat Internal emergencies are any incidents that threaten the safety of the physical structure of the

hospital, staff, patients and visitors. It may also reduce the capacity of the hospital to function

normally. Such incidents include but are not limited to:

• Explosion.

• Natural Disaster (Earthquakes).

• Engineering failures (burst water mains, loss of electrical power, gas

leaks, air-conditioning failures).

• Impacts on buildings or grounds.

• Incidents in the immediate surrounds of the hospital (chemical spills, with

noxious vapours affecting people).

• Illegal occupancy.

• Information and communication failures.

• The internal emergencies that are most likely to occur in the hospital will be of short duration and

low intensity.

• Staff in the affected area will manage such emergencies, with provision for co-ordination by the

most senior staff member on site at the time of the incident. Some emergencies will escalate to a

serious nature, and others will have a long time frame. These incidents will require the systematic

evacuation of patients and others from all or part of the hospital.

Code Red- Fire/ Smoke

The procedures and equipment discussed below relate to the initial

response to a fire emergency, and not for any long term action.

The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service can be expected on site within

five to seven minutes.

The hospital is equipped with a comprehensive range of thermal and

smoke sensors, incorporated into alarm systems directly connected to the

Queensland Fire and Rescue Service.

In addition, fire hoses and portable fire extinguishers are

available to provide the initial response to an emergency, as

well as automatic fire doors.

When a fire alarm is activated

• Area warden will ask you to check your area for emergency.

• Report outcome of inspection to Area Warden.

• Check escape/exit routes are clear.

WAIT FOR THE ALL CLEAR OR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

• Notify Area Warden of emergency.

• Area Warden proceeds to WIP (red phone) to

report to Chief Warden and await

instructions.

Action on Discovery of a Fire

DO NOT PANIC as panic may cause injuries more serious

than those caused by the fire.

Follow the General Code Red Procedures depending on

the situation.

When the fire alarm sounds

Immediate action on discovery of a

threatening emergency

Action on Discovery of a Fire Immediate action on discovery of a threatening

emergency:

If you see fire or smoke, no matter how small:

• Remove personnel from the immediate area.

• Do not obstruct exits and exit routes.

• Alert all staff in the affected area and inform adjacent units.

• Sound the alarm by breaking the glass of a manual call point and

ringing Fire Services on 0-000. Notify senior personnel.

• Confine fire and smoke – close all doors and windows.

• Extinguish or contain the fire. DO NOT take unnecessary risks.

Use suitable fire extinguishers available to you.

Medical Gases

In event of fire medical gases need to be isolate due

to them fueling a fire.

The following Gases need to be isolated:

Oxygen

Medical Air

Nitrous

Natural gas

Suction

Isolating Medical Gases Medical Gases can be isolated within each unit:

Unit 1- On main entry

Unit 2- Opposite entry to CCU/ICU

Unit 3- Staff Station 1 Opposite Rm 7

Unit 4- Entry Passage to Unit

Unit 5- Dirty Utility Staff station 3

CCU/ICU- Adjacent to CIU doors

CIU- Opposite the admissions bay

Theatre- Opposite reception

Natural Gas has an automatic shut off valve

Code Red Procedure to follow if there is an outbreak of fire

R Remove people from immediate danger,

e.g. outside a room, to a corridor.

A Alert staff. Activate manual fire alarms and

Dial 0-000 to notify emergency personal

C Contain fire or smoke

E Extinguish if safe to do so, if not prepare to Evacuate.

In an emergency, the appropriate personnel shall make an assessment of the

emergency and advise which stage of evacuation is to be carried out.

• Affected Room or Area

Stage 1

• Affected Floor Section

Stage 2

• Total Evacuation

Stage 3

When reference is made to an evacuation, most people feel this involves the total

evacuation of a building. This is not entirely correct, as an evacuation can be brought

about in the following three stages:

Code Orange – Evacuation

Evacuation Stages

•Remove from immediate area –evacuation all personnel through the nearest fire door.

Stage 1- Affected Room or Area

• Move vertically or laterally through a fire/smoke door to a safe zone. (Persons should be moved downstairs and never upstairs.)

Stage 2- Affected Floor Section

• Total hospital evacuation via designated exits to nominated assembly areas.

Stage 3- Total Evacuation

Lifts Lifts should not be used in a fire emergency unless authorized by the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service.

• Electric power may fail or be switched off causing people to be trapped.

• The lift shaft could act as a chimney and thus contribute to the spread of fire, heat, toxic fumes and smoke to other parts of the building.

• Fire isolated stairs, fire escapes and other safe routes should be used.

Grouping of patients Evacuation involves the movement of patients, staff and other personnel

from or within the health care facility in a rapid and safe manner as possible.

For the purpose of evacuation it is desirable to place patients into three

groups taking into account the type of patients present.

Area warden is to co-ordinate the evacuation process.

Group 1 Group 2 Group 3

Ambulatory patient,

requiring only a member

of staff to guide or direct

them to place of safety.

This group is to be

moved first.

Semi-ambulant patients,

requiring some

assistance.

Non-ambulant patients

who have to be

physically moved or

carried.

Group 3 - Non Ambulant Patients:

Non-Ambulatory patients may be carried on stretchers, blankets or specifically designed equipment,

• e.g. Evacuation sheets.

Evacuation sheets- these are located on each patient bed under the mattresses, with exception in Unit 1 where they are located in the linen cupboard between Rm 15-16

Patients may also be moved by emergency removal techniques such as:

-Blanket drag

-Fore and Aft carry/ 2 person lift

Fore and Aft carry and 2 persons lift

must only be carried out in an emergency situation.

Persons refusing to comply

with Directions:

In the event of persons/s refusing to comply with the directions given by a member of the Emergency Control Organisation / Wardens.

The wardens are to ascertain the following:

Ensure that the person has been clearly advised they are required to evacuate the area or premises because of an emergency situation.

Should the person refuse to evacuate the premises, ask them twice to leave/ evacuate then request the person‟s name.

The Warden should then notify the Chief/ Area Warden. The Chief Warden will advise the Officer in Charge of the Emergency (Fire Brigade) who at their discretion may take appropriate action under law to remove the person.

Code Blue – Medical Emergency

Code blue: An emergency situation announced in a hospital or institution in

which a patient is in cardiopulmonary arrest, requiring a team of providers

(sometimes called a 'code team') to rush to the specific location and begin

immediate resuscitative efforts.

The Friendly Society Private Hospital has implemented the Code Blue Team'

to respond to both Medical Emergencies and Arrests.

• The Code Blue Response Team comprises of the following : • ICU Medical Officer

• ICU nurse

• Allocated Nurse from each Clinical Unit.

Code

Blue

8888

Calling a Code Blue from any phone within the organisation

1 Pick up Handset

2 Dial 8-8-8-8

3 A ring tone will be heard via the hand set, once the ring tone stops,

a click will be heard and the system is activated.

4 With Handset to your mouth, clearly announce

5

Code Blue. Code Blue, Unit ……., Room #:……,

All available doctors, please attend.

Code Blue. Code Blue, Unit ……., Room #:……,

All available doctors, please attend.

6 Dial 8

7 Replace Handset

Emergency

Recovery

Receiving the ‘All Clear’

• After the emergency is over, the emergency officer ( Chief

Warden or Fire Brigade Chief) will inform hospital personnel

over the PA system of the ‘All Clear’

• If a false alarm is discovered, the emergency officer will

broadcast the ‘False Alarm’ over the PA system to recall all

personnel to a normal working program

Recovery is a coordinated process of supporting;

The organisation will put into place a process for recovery for

structural damage and physical infrastructure as required

following the emergency.

After any Emergency:

• The incident must be reported via „Riskman‟

• A debriefing should also be conducted with appropriate personal

• Affected individuals,

• Reconstruction of physical infrastructure and

• Restoration of emotional and physical well-being

Further Reading

Knowing your role and responsibility in an emergency is

vital to the safety of all personnel within the facility.

Keeping up to date with the changes in policies and

procedures is essential. These documents are located in

the Quality Management System accessible via the

Friendlies Internet.

I:\Public\1. FSPH Quality Management System\12. Health & Safety\ Policy &

Procedure

Quick emergency procedure flipchart are available

in all areas, located at unit nursing stations, main

reception desk or within an office area.

It is mandatory to complete annual training and competency in Emergency Procedures

including Fire Extinguisher Competency.

It is mandatory to participate in any ‘mock’ emergencies as they occur in your area.

Thank you very much for your time and patience

Remember to tick the box I have read and understood this document

before submitting

If you have any questions in relation to your the policies, procedures and

practices of the Friendlies, please feel free to speak with your Manager or

the Fire Safety Officer- 4331 1377

Thank you