Emergency Preparedness

Kern Medical Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)

• Attempt to contact each child’s family. • If contact is not possible, contact Child Protective Services to provide temporary custodial supervision until a parent or family member is located. 3.7.1 Management of clinical activities • Upon activation of the EOP, normal admission requirements may be abolished. Initially, admissions to the hospital may be limited to those whose survival depends upon services obtainable only through hospital bed care • Outpatient care may be restricted to those whose lives may ultimately depend upon the present expenditure of medical supplies and health manpower time. • All elective admissions and procedures may be canceled, including elective surgery, non-emergency outpatient procedures and transferring patients who are stable to be discharged. • Patients may be transferred to other facilities so those emergency victims may be accommodated. • Individuals may be redirected or relocated for a Medical Screening Exam in the event that the hospital’s EOP is activated. (Section 1135(b) of the Social Security Act §489.24(a)(2)) 3.7.2 Medical Management To the extent possible, patients injured during an internal incident will be given first aid by medical and/or nursing staff. If the circumstances do not permit treating patients at the incident site, they will be referred to the emergency department if immediate medical attention is required and it is not safe or appropriate to refer the patient to the emergency department, 911 will be called and the patient will be sent by ambulance to the nearest emergency department. If 911 services are not available, a request for medical transport will be conveyed to the Kern County EMS Coordinator as detailed in the Kern County Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) plan. Visitors or volunteers who require medical evaluation or minor treatment will be treated and referred to their physician or sent to the hospital. Employees who need medical evaluation or minor treatment will be treated and referred to their physician or sent to the hospital. Appendix L.1 – Health Care Alternate and Referral Facility Locations lists the alternate hospital site and hospital referral facilities. As directed by the Medical Director or designee, hospital staff will take the following actions: a. Triage/First Aid: The Emergency Department Director or Administrator on Call will establish a site for triage and first aid under the direction of a physician or registered nurse. Triage decisions will be based on the patient condition, hospital status, availability of staff and supplies and the availability of community resources. The most likely location may be either the patient or the staff parking lot. A Registered Nurse or physician will be assigned to triage. • In the event that the hospital’s EMOP is activated, persons may be transferred prior to being stabilized if, based upon the circumstances of the emergency the hospital is unable to provide proper care, treatment or services. (Section 1135(b) of the Social Security Act §489.24(a)(2)). •

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