Nighttime disaster drill: Nantou health bureau mobilizes 10 hospitals for post-earthquake fire evacuation

In response to recent global seismic activity, the Nantou County Health Bureau in Taiwan organized a comprehensive emergency drill involving 10 hospitals. The exercise simulated a critical scenario: a fire breaking out in hospitals following an earthquake, specifically during nighttime hours when staffing is typically reduced.

The drill focused on testing and improving the disaster response capabilities of medical facilities. It specifically targeted the challenges of managing emergencies and evacuating patients during the night shift. The objective was to enhance the crisis management skills and coordination efficiency of frontline personnel when faced with such critical situations.

During the simulation, each hospital activated its emergency response plan swiftly. Staff on duty reported the fire, initiated alarm systems, and proceeded to evacuate inpatients to safe locations. The process included accounting for all individuals and reporting the situation status. The drill emphasized the importance of clearly defined fire zones and rapid evacuation protocols to ensure timely and orderly movement of people.

Chen Nan-Song, Director of the Nantou County Health Bureau, highlighted the vulnerability of hospitalized patients, many of whom have limited mobility or rely on medical equipment. He stressed that without proper emergency measures, such patients are at significant risk during disasters. Chen stated that this hands-on drill allows medical institutions to evaluate their disaster response plans, strengthen inter-departmental communication, and build a better response synergy. This ensures a swift and organized approach to reporting, evacuation, and assistance for inpatients, thereby minimizing potential damage and risks.

The exercise was guided by professional advice from Chen Ying-Cheng, an instructor from the Occupational Safety and Health Association of the Republic of China's Healthcare Service Industry. He provided detailed professional opinions and recommendations for improvement regarding disaster response, evacuation route planning, patient evacuation procedures, and personnel division of labor.

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Through this hands-on drill, medical institutions can not only review whether their disaster response plans are comprehensive but also strengthen horizontal communication and response synergy among personnel, ensuring that reporting, evacuation, and assistance for inpatients can be carried out quickly and orderly at the first moment, reducing the risk of disaster damage.