EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Reducing Workplace Violence in Healthcare Facilities
Violence in healthcare facilities significantly challenges patients, providers, support staff, visitors, and first responders. The most recent data in 2016 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that nearly 75% of about 25,000 workplace assaults reported annually happen in healthcare settings. More recent survey data published in 2022 by the International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS) found increased violent crime in healthcare facilities from 1.4 per 100 beds in 2019…
MOST Recent
Planning for A Cross-Country Special Event
Mark Howell and Laurel J. Radow
September 27, 2023
A solar eclipse is a unique form of special event that does not always fall under emergency planning protocols, but it should. This article urges preparedness professionals to collaborate with eclipse planning committees to ensure the safety and security of all those involved.
Cybersecurity in Hospitals and the Public Health Sector
Daniel Scherr and Tanya M. Scherr
September 20, 2023
Cyberattacks on healthcare systems affect millions of patients each year. It is critical for agencies and organizations to build a culture of compliance and awareness for the system’s security and the safety of the patients.
Responding to the Call – The Cost of Caring for Others
Mary Schoenfeldt
September 13, 2023
There is a cost to caring for others, but it does not need to be a lifelong debt that continues to overwhelm the people who stepped up and those around them. The cost can be manageable with the right plan of support and the willingness to explore coping options.
Deploying With Adult Non-Prescription Medication Kits
Richard (Kirk) Higgins
August 16, 2023
The availability of non-prescription medications may mean the difference between a successful deployment and needing to return home ahead of schedule. As such, first responders should consider non-prescription medication kits as part of their pre-deployment planning.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ARCHIVES
Training for Hazardous Tasks in Virtual Environments
Ryan Putman
August 16, 2023
Being able to recreate complex hazardous materials incidents in a classroom setting teaches life-saving lessons in a safe environment. Advances in virtual and augmented reality
Long-Term Care Facilities in Emergency Preparedness Planning
Tanya M. Scherr and Daniel Scherr
July 19, 2023
An important part of community emergency preparedness planning includes long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, dialysis, home care centers, or hospice facilities. Plans must
Inside the “Boot Camp” for Emergency Managers
Michael Valiente
July 12, 2023
The first cohort of the Texas Emergency Management Academy has graduated. Learn about the components of this unique and comprehensive 8-month program from the perspective
Swatting: Combatting a Lethal and Expensive Prank
Daniel Scherr and Tanya M. Scherr
June 14, 2023
May 3, 2023, saw a rash of hoax calls claiming to report active shooters in schools across Tennessee. While the calls initially affected the
Service Animal Awareness in Disaster Response
Melissa Resnick
June 7, 2023
Although they are companions to their human partners, service animals are not pets. Instead, they are trained to perform specific daily tasks, which are
Covenant School – Reviewing Another Tragic Shooting
Tanya M. Scherr and Daniel Scherr
April 19, 2023
The Covenant School shooting is another reminder of active shooter trends. This article reviews the chain of events from that tragic event, post-incident reviews, and
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Reducing Workplace Violence in Healthcare Facilities
Violence in healthcare facilities significantly challenges patients, providers, support staff, visitors, and first responders. The most recent data in 2016 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that nearly 75% of about 25,000 workplace assaults reported annually happen in healthcare settings. More recent survey data published in 2022 by the International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS) found increased violent crime in healthcare facilities from 1.4 per 100 beds in 2019…
Most Recent
Biosafety Laboratory Issues and Failures
Robert C. Hutchinson
April 12, 2023
Concerns regarding unexpected biological incidents and their public health implications were discussed in a 2014 Domestic Preparedness biosecurity and bioterrorism
Guidance for Preparing Professionals Mentally for the Worst
James Greenstone and Weldon Walles
March 22, 2023
Professional groups have debated and researched the best practices relating to the standards and quality of care sufficient to
Leader of the Pack – Canine Detection
Barb Clark
March 8, 2023
In the wake of a disaster, time is critical for locating survivors and recovering bodies. This type of work requires
Linking Resilience and Innovation for Emergency Preparedness
Nia D'Emilio and Christopher Tarantino
February 15, 2023
Most industries suggest a certain level of resilience and innovation. It is important to get through challenging times to keep
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES Archives
The Pony Express Rides Again
Monty Dozier
January 18, 2023
In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, health care providers and facilities, local jurisdictions, and state agencies struggled to acquire personal protective equipment (PPE),
How One Town Stood Up to a Category 4 Storm
Jennifer Languell
January 4, 2023
When Category 4 Hurricane Ian crossed Florida in September 2022, more than 4 million Florida homes and businesses lost power. However, one town kept the
Publisher’s Note: Auld Lang Syne (A Chance to Recollect and Restore)
MacGregor Stephenson
December 28, 2022
As we come to the end of a challenging year and a tumultuous period, please know that your efforts
are appreciated, and the sacrifices of you
How Technology Systems Impact Critical Infrastructure
Nathan DiPillo and Paul Galyen
December 21, 2022
Operational technology systems that run many critical infrastructure functions are becoming more dependent on information technology. As these worlds converge, emergency preparedness professionals must address
The Importance of Strong Leadership for a Unique Discipline
David Fogerson
December 21, 2022
A transformational leadership style can help bridge relationship and communication gaps between
leaders and other community stakeholders. Learn how one young deputy fire chief learned from
Building Strength in Workforce and Structure
Catherine L. Feinman
December 21, 2022
Each person plays a critical leadership role, from top leadership to frontline workers. The authors in the December edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal share
