The EKAB Health Operations Center (KEPY-EKAB), which has an institutional role to control and assess the readiness of Health Organizations in dealing with emergency situations and crises, announces the start of a series of large-scale evacuation simulation exercises on health structures. In the first phase, the planned readiness exercises will take place from November 26 to 28, 2024 in the General Hospitals of Kefalonia, Zakynthos “Agios Dionysios” and Pyrgos ”Andreas Papandreou” and will continue (until April 2025) in the Healthcare Formations of . each of the seven Health Regions (HPE) in the country.
The main objective of the exercises is to simulate and evaluate, by the operational team of KEPY-EKAB, the effectiveness of the planned evacuation activities, to ensure the uninterrupted supply of health services and to minimize the risks to human life in the event that it occurs. emergency event. In the same context, there are coordination and cooperation procedures of the management and staff of the hospitals with all the related bodies, such as the Fire Brigade, EMAK, the Hellenic Police, Branches and Sectors of the EKAV by region, the Regions and voluntary groups.
The scenarios of the exercises, which the Hospital Administration is responsible for planning, draw their structure from the official operational plans of the Ministry of Health, “SOSTRATOS” and “PERSEAS”, designed to deal with critical and natural situations. disasters. The “SOSTRATOS” plan concerns the organization and execution of evacuation actions in the event of an earthquake, while the “PERSEAS” plan focuses on the management of fires in health facilities. Based on these standards, the exercise scenarios include procedures for immediate and safe evacuation from hospital wards, with an emphasis on ensuring the safety of patients, staff and attendants, in high-risk and high-pressure situations.
Source: ygeiamou.gr
What are the benefits of evacuation simulation exercises for hospitals during health emergencies?
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our special interview segment! Today, we’re diving deep into the world of emergency health preparedness with Dr. Sofia Halkia, a leading expert in health crisis management. Dr. Halkia, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Sofia Halkia: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
Editor: Recently, the EKAB Health Operations Center announced a series of large-scale evacuation simulation exercises across various health structures in Greece. Can you tell us why these exercises are critical?
Dr. Halkia: Absolutely. These exercises are essential because they allow health organizations to assess their preparedness for emergencies. Emergencies can arise from natural disasters, pandemics, or other health crises. By simulating evacuation scenarios, we can identify weaknesses in our response systems and ensure that health services remain uninterrupted during actual crises.
Editor: The first phase of these exercises is scheduled for late November in several hospitals. How do you think local hospitals in Kefalonia, Zakynthos, and Pyrgos will benefit from participating in this simulation?
Dr. Halkia: Participating hospitals will gain invaluable insights into their operational readiness. They’ll be able to test their evacuation protocols, evaluate communication among staff, and ensure that patients can be moved safely and efficiently. The shared learning experience across these locations is also beneficial for fostering collaboration among health professionals in different regions.
Editor: You mentioned the goal is to minimize risks to human life and ensure a continuous supply of health services. Can you elaborate on how the exercises specifically address these goals?
Dr. Halkia: Certainly! The exercises will involve realistic scenarios that reflect potential crises. By assessing how well their teams respond to these situations, the health organizations can refine their evacuation processes, improve resource allocation, and train staff on emergency procedures. This proactive approach helps to build a robust healthcare system capable of withstanding emergencies, which ultimately protects patient lives.
Editor: The simulation exercises will continue until April 2025 across all seven health regions in Greece. What impact do you foresee this having on the broader health sector in the country?
Dr. Halkia: This comprehensive approach ensures that no region is left behind in terms of emergency preparedness. As these exercises unfold, best practices will emerge, which can be shared throughout the healthcare system. It’s a step toward creating a unified national response plan that integrates lessons learned from each exercise, leading to an overall more resilient health care system.
Editor: It sounds like a significant undertaking. We often hear about the importance of preparation in health crises, but what are some challenges hospitals might face during these exercises?
Dr. Halkia: Good question! One major challenge is ensuring that all staff members are adequately trained and prepared to respond in a high-stress situation. Additionally, logistical issues such as patient transport, equipment availability, and communication hurdles could arise. These exercises are designed to uncover these potential problems so that they can be addressed before a real emergency occurs.
Editor: Lastly, what message would you like to convey to the public about these upcoming simulations?
Dr. Halkia: I want to emphasize that these simulations are crucial for everyone’s safety. The public can rest assured that healthcare providers are committed to protecting their well-being, and these exercises are a testament to that commitment. Engaging with the community and providing transparency about emergency procedures also helps build trust, which is vital during crises.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Halkia, for your insights. It’s encouraging to see proactive measures being taken to ensure our health systems are prepared for emergencies. We look forward to hearing more as these exercises unfold.
Dr. Halkia: Thank you! I’m looking forward to it as well. It’s an ongoing process, and together we can make significant improvements in our emergency health readiness.