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In This Issue:
In response to the devastating events of September 11, Partners HealthCare System and each of its hospitals are embarking upon a new command structure to augment their crisis response system. The Hospital Emergency Incident Command System (HEICS) allows hospitals like BWH to respond to a community disaster in a manner consistent with other emergency response organizations. Using common nomenclature and an organizational structure patterned after organizations such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the military and local agencies, hospitals can respond more effectively to evolving situations.
BWH is currently reviewing its emergency response protocols while implementing HEICS and assigning key staff members to roles within the system. Training is now underway to provide all those designated for emergency response roles with an understanding of the system and appropriate response.