Emergency Preparedness
 Disasters can
Paralyze a
Facility and
Block Critical
Resources
 Hospitals Face
Many Types
of Disaster…
What Is NIMS?
(National Incident Management System)
A federally mandated system for
emergency and disaster situations
Implements a ICS (Incident Command
System)
Organizational Core for Emergency
Response Plan
 Standardized Job Descriptions & Checklists
and Supporting Forms
 Common Language

Five Major Management Functions
Five Major Management Functions
Each assignment has a defined written
role.
Best if person assigned to a role has
some familiarity to the role, but
instructions are explicit enough that
anyone can function in any role.
One person may assume multiple roles
depending on situation and available
staff.
When should NIMS be implemented?
For any type of situation/disaster that
could compromise the function of the
facility such as:
Major Weather events
 Major trauma events (Code Yellow; Code
Orange)

What is your Responsibility?
Familiarize yourself with the policies and
procedures of all facilities where you have
clinical experience. Mistakes can be made
when agencies fail to follow the plan.
Your resource person during an
emergency situation will be your
faculty/instructor.
Always wear your ID badge.
PREVENTION OF VIOLENCE IN THE
WORK PLACE
Each week in the United States an average of 20 workers are murdered
at their jobs and 18,000 are assaulted.*
*National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 1996.07.08
Homicide is the second leading cause
of occupational injury and death
in the United States.*
*National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 1996.07.08
Employees need and deserve
a secure and safe work environment.
OSHA Rules
In 1970, the Occupational Safety &
Health Administration (OSHA)
mandated that employers must assure a
safe and healthful working area for
every man and woman.
A Workplace Violence Prevention Program can
help keep the workplace safe.
Program contains the following information:
» risk factors
» how to prevent violence;
» what to do if someone becomes violent; and,
» incident follow-up.
RISK FACTORS
Situations that may lead to assaults/violence in
the workplace.
» long waiting times or long lines
» death of a family member
» job layoffs
» insensitive terminations
» job stress
» strict/rigid leadership
» drug and alcohol abuse
Recognize and Report Risk Factors and
High Risk Situations
to your supervisor PROMPTLY.
PRE-VIOLENCE
Recognize Actions That May Precede Violence
Some people behave in a certain way before an
act of violence.
It is necessary for these actions to be
recognized.
Actions That May Come Before Violence:
 Lateness
 Absenteeism
 Little interest in personal appearance
 Violations of the rules and regulations
 “Bullying" behavior
 Tense posture
 Rapid breathing
 Extreme or unusual behavior
 Aggressive behavior (ready to fight)
 Arguing with supervisors
 Threats of harm
 Bringing a weapon to the workplace
Workplace violence is a growing problem.
If you feel anyone is acting in a way that
may lead to violence report it to your
supervisor or boss right away.
PREVENTION
Preventing violence is one way to keep a
safe and secure workplace.
There are a number of ways to help avoid
violence in the workplace.
To Prevent Violence:
 Be friendly have respect for everyone
 Don’t embarrass anyone
 Allow people to verbalize and listen to them
 Pleasantly ask the person what they want
 Give frequent updates if long waits for
customers or patients
 Speak calmly and softly
 Don’t leave potential weapons within reach,
for example syringes or scissors
ACTIONS TO TAKE IF SOMEONE
BECOMES VIOLENT
 Call the emergency number identified by your





organization and report location and type of code
Activate your organization alarm system (panic
button, code button etc.)
Stay an arms-length away from the violent person
Stay near an exit so you can escape if you have to
Don’t try to subdue him/her
Keep others away from the immediate
area
Follow-up After a Violent Incident
It is important to report every potential or
actual violent act to your supervisor and
follow the proper incident reporting
procedure.
Information to include in a violence report:
 Who was involved?
(names and addresses of all people involved)
 Where did the incident take place?
(Describe the exact location of the incident)
 What exactly happened?
(Be objective, accurate, factual and as detailed as
possible)
 How was the situation resolved or prevented?
(Was the problem solved without violence? How was
an incident prevented? Did anyone receive injuries?)
If you are involved in a violent incident:
 If needed, it is important for you to
seek counseling after being involved in
a violent situation.
 Another suggestion for assistance is
joining a Peer Support Group.
 Or seek comfort in family and friends
ASSULTS IN THE WORKPLACE
It is estimated that 1 million workers are
assaulted annually in the workplace in the
United States*
Most of these assaults occur in service settings
such as hospitals, nursing homes and social
service agencies.
* National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 1996.07.08
Stop Assaults in the Workplace
The best way to stop these assaults is
through prevention.