As healthcare workers and members of the trauma system, we’ve dedicated ourselves to helping others in crisis. Yet there’s something seemingly ironic about emergency preparedness for emergency responders. The truth is, we must first ensure our own readiness before we can effectively help others. Emergency preparedness begins at home..
Understanding Your Level of Responsibility
Readiness means different things to different people, depending on their life circumstances:
- For single individuals, it might mean maintaining a go-bag with essential equipment in case you’re held over at the hospital due to weather or other emergencies. Consider scenarios like an unexpected winter storm during your shift, or a mass casualty incident requiring all hands-on deck.
- Pet owners need to establish backup care plans for their animals, identifying someone who can feed, water, and care for them during extended shifts or disaster response situations. Have written instructions ready and emergency veterinary contact information available.
- Those with children or dependent family members must develop comprehensive plans (and backup plans) to ensure their loved ones are cared for when duty calls. This includes coordinating with schools, daycare providers, and backup caregivers who understand your role as an essential worker.
Healthcare-Specific Scenarios to Plan For
As healthcare workers, we face unique situations that require special preparation:
- Extended Shift Coverage: During mass casualty events or severe weather, you might need to work multiple shifts. Keep a complete change of scrubs, personal hygiene items, and any necessary medications, and a spare pair of eyeglasses in your locker or go-bag.
- Shelter-in-Place at Work: Hospitals may require staff to remain on-site during certain emergencies. If that’s the case, consider having comfort items like a sleeping bag, pillow, and off-duty clothes accessible.
- Rapid Response Situations: If you’re part of a disaster response team, maintain a separate go-bag with essential personal protective equipment, weather-appropriate clothing, and both printed and electronic copies of crucial documentation (medical licenses, certifications).
Emergency Supply Checklist:
Basic Survival Items
- Water (1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days)
- Non-perishable food (3-7 day supply)
- Manual can opener
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Multi-tool or basic tools
Medical and Personal Care
- First aid kit with trauma supplies
- Prescription medications (7-day supply minimum)
- N95 masks and basic PPE
- Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes
- Spare glasses or contact lenses
- Personal hygiene items
Documents and Financial
- Copies of important documents (ID, insurance, medical licenses)
- Emergency cash in small bills
- List of emergency contacts and important numbers
- USB drive or secure cloud account with critical personal/professional documents
Professional Items
- Backup stethoscope and trauma shears
- Change of clothes, including underwear and socks
- Spare scrubs and comfortable shoes
- Professional ID badges and credentials
Enhanced Communication Planning
Communication during emergencies requires multiple backup strategies:
Primary Communications
- Keep a list of essential work contacts both in your phone and on paper
- Program your hospital’s emergency hotline number into your phone
- Register for your facility’s emergency alert system
- Identify your department’s phone tree or call-back protocol
Backup Communication Methods
- Text messages often work when voice calls fail
- Use social media platforms with offline capabilities
- Consider a portable emergency radio
- Keep a satellite phone or internet connection in your department for extreme situations
Emergency Responder Priority Access
- Register your number with the Wireless Priority Service (WPS)
- Know your facility’s emergency communications protocols
- Understand how to access emergency communication channels
- Keep a list of alternate facility contact numbers
Out-of-Area Contacts
- Designate an out-of-state contact as your family’s communication hub
- Ensure all family members and key colleagues know this contact
- Practice your communication plan at least once a year
- Consider using emergency communication apps that work offline
Building Resilience
At its core, emergency preparedness is about building resilience—the ability to bend without breaking. It’s about developing the flexibility and agility to adapt to changing situations while maintaining our effectiveness as healthcare providers. Resilience invariably means different things for each of us. A great place to start is to think about the things that you would need for the first 72-96 hours following a disaster.
Resources for Further Planning
Several excellent resources can help you develop a more comprehensive emergency plan:
- American Red Cross website
- Ready.gov
- Your hospital’s emergency management department
- Local emergency management agency
Remember, you don’t need to do everything at once. Start with small, manageable steps that increase your preparedness over time. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress toward being better prepared to handle whatever challenges may come our way.
By taking these steps to ensure our own emergency preparedness, we strengthen our ability to fulfill our calling: helping others when they need us most!
Blog Submitted by:
Matt Levy, DO, MSc, FAEMS, FACEP
Deputy Director of Operational Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital.
CMO & EMS Medical Director of Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services
Central Maryland EMS Medical Director for the State of Maryland
