Failure of … | What to Expect … | Who to Contact … | Responsibility of User … |
Computer System | System down | Information Services | Use backup manual / paper |
Electrical Power Failure -
Emergency Generators Work | Many lights are out
Only RED plug outlets work | Engineering | Ensure that life support systems are on emergency power (RED outlets). Ventilate patients by hand as necessary. Complete cases in progress ASAP. Use flashlights. |
Electrical Power Failure -
Total | Failure of all electrical system | Engineering
Respiratory Care | Utilize flashlights & lanterns, hand ventilate patients, manually regulate IV's, don't start new cases. |
Elevators Out of Service | All vertical movement will have to be by stairwells | Engineering
All Managers | Review fire & evacuation plans, establish services on designated floors, use carry teams to move critical patients and equipment to other floors. |
Elevator Stopped Between Floors | Elevator alarm bell sounding | Engineering
Risk Management | Keep verbal contact with personnel still in elevator and let them know help is on its way. |
Fire Alarm System | No fire alarms or sprinklers | Engineering
Risk Management | Institute Fire Watch, minimize fire hazards, use phone or runners to report fire. |
Medical Gases | Gas alarms, No O2, Medical Gas or Nitrous Oxide NO2 | Engineering
Storeroom
Respiratory Care | Hand ventilate patients, transfer patients if necessary, use portable O2 and other gases, call for additional portable cylinders. |
Medical Vacuum | No vacuum, vacuum systems fail and in alarm | Engineering
Respiratory Care
Central Service | Obtain portable vacuum, finish cases in progress, don't start new cases. |
Natural Gas -
Failure or Leak | Odor, no flames on burners, etc. | Engineering
Risk Management
Fire Department | Open windows to ventilate, turn off gas equipment, don't use any spark producing devices, electric motors, switches, etc. |
Nurse Call System | No patient contact | Engineering | Use bedside patient telephone if available; move patients, use bells, detail a rover to check patients. |
Patient Care Equipment/ Systems | Equipment / system does not function properly | Clinical Equipment Management | Replace defective equipment if possible. Use other options to care for patient. |
Sewer Stoppage | Drains backing up | Engineering | Do not flush toilets, do not use water |
Steam Failure | No building heat, hot water, laundry, sterilizers inoperative, limited cooking | Engineering | Conserve sterile material and all linens, provide extra blankets, and prepare cold meals. |
Telephones | No phone service | Telecommunications | Use overhead paging, pay phones, executone, use cellular phones and portable radios as needed. |
Water | Sinks & toilets inoperative | Engineering
Materials Management | Institute Fire Watch, conserve water, use bottled water for drinking, and be sure to turn off water in sinks. |
Water Non-Potable | Tap water unsafe to drink | Engineering
Food & Nutrition Services
All Managers | Place "Non Potable Water - Do Not Drink" signs at all drinking fountains and wash basins |
Ventilation | No ventilation, no heating or cooling | Engineering | Institute Fire Watch, open windows or obtain blankets if needed, restrict use of odorous / hazardous materials. |