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Vanderbilt University Medical Center Fire Safety & Emergency Preparedness

Vanderbilt University Medical Center Fire Safety Fire safety is important in health care facilities. Patients are often unable to help themselves. In spite of strict fire codes, FIRES STILL OCCUR IN HOSPITALS!

Vanderbilt University Medical Center Fires in Healthcare Settings Primarily Caused by: Smoking materials Electrical equipment

Vanderbilt University Medical Center Vanderbilt Is a Non-Smoking Facility Remember that there is NO SMOKING in buildings of VU Medical Center. No exceptions are provided for staff, visitors, or patients There are designated outside smoking areas listed in VUMC policy SA , Smoking Policy.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center Preventing Electrical Hazards Extension cords are only for short-term use. Keep electrical equipment away from damp areas. Home-use type extension cords are not permitted. Use only the multiple strip outlets with surge protection. Do not overload receptacles. REPORT any damaged equipment.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center Fire Safety Awareness Know the location of fire alarms, extinguishers and exits. Never block fire protection equipment. Know basic information about response plan in your building. Buildings with inpatients and ambulatory surgical centers do not perform building evacuation unless there is immediate danger from smoke, fire or building damage. If you work in other buildings (free standing clinics, research buildings, admin buildings), talk to your supervisor about the building evacuation plan.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center, “Red Alert” Fire Situation Awareness “Red Alert” is the overhead announcement used to make staff aware of a fire situation in the Medical Center.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center In the event of a fire - RACE Rescue/remove anyone in the immediate area. Activate the nearest alarm pull station. Confine the fire by closing doors. Extinguish or Evacuate Use the extinguisher only if the fire is small and you can safely do so. Evacuate if there is immediate danger from smoke or fire or that is the building fire response plan.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center Evacuation If there is life-threatening danger from smoke or fire, the area will need to be evacuated. Leave lights on, follow exit signs, use stairs, not elevators, and stay low in smoky areas. First, evacuate horizontally to another zone Then, if necessary, vertically toward ground level Order of patient evacuation: 1.Ambulatory patients and Visitors 2.Non-ambulatory patients 3.Helpless/Critical Patients

Vanderbilt University Medical Center Pull the pin. Aim at the base of the fire. Squeeze the handle. Sweep back and forth. To use a Fire Extinguisher - PASS

Vanderbilt University Medical Center Emergency Preparedness and Response VUMC has had longstanding emergency preparedness plans. These plans can be implemented at a moment’s notice. Emergency response plans are reviewed, updated and modified to reflect the changing environment.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center VUMC Response to Other Emergencies Where is the VUMC Emergency Response Plan located? Copies of the “RED” Safety and Disaster Manual are located on every nursing unit and in every department of the medical center A condensed version of the plan is available in the Quick Reference Guide

Vanderbilt University Medical Center Activation Announcements Yellow Alert Yellow Alert Standby for ‘Situation’ Prepare to activate the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan for the ‘situation’ Orange Alert Orange Alert for ‘Situation’ Activate the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan for the situation.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center Emergency ‘Situations’ Mass Casualty Tornado Warning Oxygen Outage Medical Air Outage Electrical Outage Water Outage Steam (Heat) Phone system outage Vacuum System Outage Inclement Weather Computer System Outage Beeper System Outage Unannounced Survey

Vanderbilt University Medical Center Other Emergency Announcements STAT--- Medical Emergency Activate Code Team and other appropriate medical personnel

Vanderbilt University Medical Center Other Emergency Announcements Missing Person Codes: Code Pink - Missing Infant (younger than 12 months Code Purple - Missing Child (1-12 years) Code Walker Adolescent -Missing Teen ( years old) Code Walker Adult -Missing Adult (18 years or older)

Vanderbilt University Medical Center Your Responsibilities When an emergency activation announcement is made in your assigned work area, assist your preceptor/instructor to protect patients and visitors as described in hospital safety policies.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center Additional Information If you would like additional information about fire safety or emergency preparedness contact: Vanderbilt Environmental Health & Safety (phone ) Vanderbilt Department of Emergency Preparedness (phone )

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