Introduction
The Hospital Emergency Management team maintains a hospital-wide Emergency Management Plan. There are also Local Departmental Emergency Management Plans for all patient care areas. If you have any questions about emergency plans in the hospital please contact the Director of Emergency Management at (212) 746-0877.
Hospital Emergency Command Center
Representatives from various Hospital departments that would have a role in responding to and recovering from an emergency have been trained in Hospital Incident Command (HICS) and are called upon to staff the Hospital Command Center (HCC) in the event of an emergency. These administrators and subject matter experts have developed procedures for responding to emergency conditions to preserve life and property; implementing business continuity plans; and communicating up-to-date emergency conditions and information to the Hospital community. The HCC always maintains liaison with the WCMC to ensure the safe recovery from emergencies for both institutions.
Emergency Services and Collaboration with NYC Agencies
The Hospital, via its Emergency Management program and its Emergency Medical Service (NYP EMS) regularly participates with the City of New York on emergency response and planning initiatives. As a result of the relationships NYP maintains with NYC Office of Emergency Management, the Fire Department of New York, and the NYC Department of Health, the Hospital is often made aware of significant incidents throughout the region in advance, and as a result is better able to prepare to accommodate the needs of the community.
Departmental Emergency Planning
Departments must take a proactive role in planning for emergencies and develop department-specific Local Emergency Management Plans. These plans should include:
- How each department addresses the four critical areas of emergency management for their respective work areas: preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery.
- Methods for accounting for all patients, visitors, and staff in the department or work area;
- Evacuation considerations for all patients, visitors, and staff;
- Contact information for all staff and in the department.
- Location of essential inventories of supplies and equipment to support the Environment of Care;
- Other procedures patients, visitors, and staff should follow in the event of an emergency that disrupts routine operations.
Local Emergency Management Plans must be maintained by the department, and copies of the plans should be provided to Hospital’s Director of Emergency Management.