Page 43 - Risk Reduction Series Effective Systems Part 2

SVMIC Risk Reduction Series: Effective Systems

Regardless, every office needs to define the procedure they

will use, and all staff must be trained annually to know what
his or her responsibility is if a patient crashes in the lobby, an

examination room, or the hallway. Such a plan is essential in
order for staff to perform appropriately and minimize potential

injury to patients when an emergency does occur. It is best to
reinforce this training by conducting an annual mock emergency

drill, such as a mock cardiac arrest, to verify each staff member
clearly understands his/her role in a medical emergency and

to ensure that patients will not suffer undue delay in receipt of
emergency care while in the practice.

If your practice situation necessitates a crash cart or other

emergency equipment such as an AED, you have even greater
accountability. You must be able to establish that staff is trained

in its use. Protocols should define roles and responsibilities
in the event of a medical emergency. The crash cart, AED

(including pads), and emergency kit contents should be
checked at defined intervals (e.g., at the beginning of each

month) for expired drugs and function of equipment. A signature
log indicating when this is done should be maintained.

Fire & Disaster Emergencies

A written protocol should also be in place directing
staff on how to respond to a fire emergency,

internal disaster, or any other emergency which
would require building evacuation. The office

should conduct annual fire drills, or disaster drills,
to demonstrate and improve employee response to a simulated

emergency, preserve lives, and prevent undue panic in the event
of an actual event. Staff should be prepared to respond calmly

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