EXTERNAL DISASTER PLAN
§ 151.31. Written external disaster plan.
(a) Each hospital shall have written plans, based on its capabilities, for the proper and timely care of casualties arising from external disasters. These plans should be developed in accordance with the disaster planning guidelines published by the American Hospital Association. The disaster plan should be developed in conjunction with other emergency facilities in the community so that adequate logistical provisions are made for the expansion of the activities of the hospital in coordination with the activities of other facilities.
(b) The disaster plan should make provision for the following:
(1) The availability of basic utilities and supplies, including gas, water, food and essential medical and supportive materials.
(2) An efficient system of notifying and assigning personnel.
(3) Unified medical command.
(4) Conversion of all usable space into clearly defined areas for efficient triage and for patient observation and for immediate care.
(5) Prompt transfer of casualties, when necessary, after preliminary medical or surgical services have been rendered, to the facility most appropriate for administering definitive care.
(6) A special disaster medical record which shall accompany the casualty patient as he is moved.
(7) The prompt and orderly discharge or transfer of patients already in the hospital who can be safely moved without jeopardy.
(8) Maintaining security to keep unauthorized persons out of the triage area.
(9) Preestablishment of a public information center and assignment of public relations liaison duties to a qualified individual. Advance arrangements should be made with communications media to provide for organized dissemination of information in the event of a disaster.
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