Preparedness Update: BWH Continues Disaster Prep Work
Area Hazardous Materials Crisis Drill Goes Well
On April 29, BWH and the entire Longwood Medical Area (LMA) participated in a citywide disaster exercise. The exercise scenario involved the release of an air-borne agent identified as anthrax.
During the exercise, BWH activated the Code Amber Phase II External Disaster system and opened its Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The hospital simulated operation under lockdown conditions prohibiting staff and new patients from entering or leaving the medical campus. Tom O’Regan, director of emergency management, Emergency Medicine, said the exercise was a large success.
According to O’Regan, the following are among the important objectives accomplished during the drill:
• Activation of both the MASCO - Joint Operations Center (JOG) and Press Briefing Centers;
• Testing of regional “Surge” bed reporting software and procedures;
• Testing of hazmat/decontamination trailer activation/deployment;
• Testing of Interhospital perimeter security procedures and equipment; and
• Testing of various infectious disease response/isolation protocols.