CaroMont Health will conduct a simulated emergency management exercise
on the campus of CaroMont Regional Medical Center on Friday, December
1 from 7 a.m. to noon. The exercise, which will include local Law Enforcement,
Fire and EMS, will test emergency preparedness policies and procedures
for the health system and participating agencies.
CaroMont Specialty Surgery, the Emergency Department at CaroMont Regional
Medical Center and other hospital departments will have specific roles
to play in accordance with the hospital’s emergency response plan.
It is important to note that as part of the exercise, visitors may see
an increased presence of emergency response personnel and vehicles on
the hospital campus; however, at no time will patient or public safety
be at risk during this exercise.
“CaroMont Health’s Emergency Management Program recognizes
the need for a whole community approach to disaster planning,” said
John Watts, Director of Environment of Care at CaroMont Health. “This
overarching theme of emergency management emphasizes community coordination
and collaboration throughout the four phases of emergency management (mitigation,
planning, response and recovery). Using this approach enables CaroMont
Health to strengthen partner relationships and build response plans that
make sense. This gives us a distinct advantage should a disaster strike.”
A requirement by The Joint Commission and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid,
emergency drills also allow hospitals an opportunity to periodically test
emergency plans and identify important strengths and areas for improvement
to ensure a safe and efficient environment for patients and staff.