What if disaster struck right now? Would you be prepared, or would you scramble to find essentials? Whether it’s an earthquake, flood, fire, or power outage, emergencies don’t wait for you to get ready. That’s why having a solid disaster preparedness plan can mean the difference between chaos and control. A robust disaster management plan is essential for hospitals to ensure patient safety, staff preparedness, and operational continuity during emergencies. Here’s a NABH-compliant checklist to help you stay prepared:
🛑 1. Disaster Preparedness Plan
✅ Develop a Hospital Disaster Management Plan (HDMP) as per NABH guidelines
✅ Define roles and responsibilities of hospital staff in case of disaster
✅ Conduct a hazard vulnerability assessment (HVA) to identify risks (e.g., fire, earthquakes, pandemics, cyberattacks)
✅ Maintain MOUs with nearby hospitals for patient transfer during crises
✅ Establish a Disaster Management Committee (DMC) for strategic planning
🚨 2. Emergency Response System
✅ Implement an Emergency Code System (Code Red for fire, Code Blue for medical emergencies, etc.)
✅ Ensure alarm systems and PA announcements are functional
✅ Create evacuation routes and assembly points for patients, staff, and visitors
✅ Develop an ambulance and triage plan for mass casualties
✅ Train security personnel to manage crowd control and entry restrictions
🩺 3. Medical & Life-Support Readiness
✅ Stockpile emergency medical kits (IV fluids, oxygen, trauma kits, PPE, essential medicines)
✅ Ensure backup ventilators and life-saving equipment are functional
✅ Maintain an adequate blood supply and coordinate with blood banks
✅ Identify high-risk patients (ICU, NICU, dialysis) for priority evacuation
✅ Set up temporary medical stations for overflow patient care
⚡ 4. Power, Water & IT Infrastructure
✅ Install backup power supply (generators, UPS, solar energy)
✅ Ensure availability of emergency water tanks and sanitation supplies
✅ Secure patient records with digital backups to prevent data loss
✅ Develop cybersecurity measures to protect hospital networks from attacks
✅ Implement emergency communication systems (satellite phones, radios)
🔥 5. Fire & Structural Safety
✅ Conduct regular fire drills for staff and patients
✅ Ensure fire extinguishers, sprinklers, and smoke detectors are placed strategically
✅ Train staff on fire exits and evacuation protocols
✅ Install earthquake-resistant features in the hospital structure
✅ Keep hazardous material storage separate and labeled properly
👨⚕️ 6. Staff Training & Mock Drills
✅ Conduct Basic Life Support (BLS) & Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) training
✅ Run mock drills every 6 months for fire, earthquake, chemical spills, and active shooter scenarios
✅ Train staff on triage and mass casualty management
✅ Assign disaster response teams and conduct refresher training
✅ Maintain attendance logs for disaster training sessions for NABH audits
📑 7. Documentation & NABH Compliance
✅ Maintain updated SOPs for all emergency scenarios
✅ Ensure disaster preparedness audits are conducted regularly
✅ Document all drills, incidents, and corrective actions taken
✅ Keep a list of emergency contacts (fire dept., police, district health authority, NGOs)
✅ Develop a post-disaster recovery plan for smooth hospital operations
🔍 Final Check: Is Your Hospital Ready?
✅ Do all staff members know their roles in a disaster?
✅ Are emergency supplies stocked and accessible?
✅ Is your power backup system reliable?
✅ Have you conducted a mock drill in the last 6 months?
Are You Ready?
Preparedness isn’t about paranoia—it’s about peace of mind. You never know when a disaster will strike, but you can decide today to be ready.
💬 Have you started your disaster prep? Let us help you get a solid plan in place! 📌 Stay NABH-compliant. Stay disaster-ready. Connect with us today. 🛑🔦🚑