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As part of BWH's BluePrint celebration, BWH Bulletin features this special section to explore the past, present and future of the institution. You can find information about BluePrint, including a tool kit, milestones and events, at BWHPikeNotes.org/BluePrint. Questions? Email BWHBluePrint@partners.org.
Security and Parking Operations Manager Bob Donaghue leads an emergency preparedness session.
2013 was a year in which BWH's emergency preparedness plan was tested heavily.
From preparing for and dealing with Storm Nemo, the historic blizzard that blanketed Boston with three feet of snow in February, to responding to the Boston Marathon bombings, the importance of having a coordinated plan during an emergency was well-proven at BWH.
September is National Preparedness Month, and this week's BluePrint feature highlights an article from the hospital's newsletter archives dated Sept. 1980, which broadcasted an upcoming community disaster drill.
Similar to today's BWH drills, the 1980 drill was used as "a teaching exercise designed to train and prepare employees for their roles and responsibilities in the event of a community disaster."
Today, hospital-wide preparedness exercises occur at least twice a year-as is required by The Joint Commission-and they can involve more than 100 BWHers. In June, BWH was part of a Partners HealthCare disaster drill exercise that involved all of the hospitals within the network.
The extensive collaboration among interdisciplinary practices, local authorities and other hospitals is one aspect that has changed in emergency planning, said Barry Wante, director of Emergency Management. Wante, who began at BWH in 2007, has more than two decades of experience in emergency planning.
"Years ago, most preparedness stopped at the hospital emergency room, but as time has progressed, we have realized how much stress an emergency response puts on an entire institution," Wante said. "Part of being prepared for an emergency is understanding the procedure and having a level of comfort with it. Knowing that you have successfully handled an emergency situation in the past, whether it involves carrying equipment or moving patients from one place to another, builds confidence and expertise for the future."
In the spirit of National Preparedness Month, BWH Bulletin will include tips and advice to prepare you and your families in the event of an emergency this month. This week's tip: Be sure to review and update your contact information in PeopleSoft, staff phone trees and your department's contact lists. Learn more at ready.gov.
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