Hospital earthquake drill evaluation
July 23, 2008

The Department of Health of the Philippines conducted an earthquake drill to hospitals nationwide. Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital was evaluated by the Bureau of Fire Protection and other non-government agencies like the Amity Volunteer Fire Brigade, Provincial Disaster Management Team and Health Professionals for Peace.

The hospital staff received the evaluation results with the positive and the things that need to be improved. The evaluation starts with the alarm that simulates the active shakings of earthquake, only the rooms on the ground floor were evaluated so as not to disturb the normal hospital operation.

The evaluation includes safety during and after earthquake, evacuation routes, safety and evacuation team, staging area, Incident Command System and light search and rescue team of the hospital. Evaluators gave valuable feedbacks to what the hospital needs to reduce its casualties in the event of a disasters or even terrorism. The Chief of Hospital then gave the full support for their committee in disaster preparedness. This drill opened their eyes that they should be ready not only in their workplace but even in their home as well. The hospital plans to have a series of trainings to make them more prepared.

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