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Table 1 Examples of parameters in each of the four categories

From: Evidence-based support for the all-hazards approach to emergency preparedness

Number

Category

Type of emergency

Parameter

1

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Mass casualty event

The SOP for mass casualty events is updated for the last year

Mass toxicological event

The hospital identified a decontamination team that will be deployed to the immediate site

Biological event

The biological SOP includes a section regarding treatment of medical bio-hazard waste

2

Training & drills

Mass casualty event

80% of the surgical staff reinforcing the Emergency Department are graduates of an ATLS (advanced trauma life support) course

Mass toxicological event

70% of the emergency department staff participated in a designated mass toxicological event training program

Biological event

The hospital defined the medical staff that are required to participate in the biological training program

3

Knowledge of staff

Mass casualty event

The "nurse in charge" is proficient in using the public address system

Mass toxicological event

More than 85% of the emergency department's nursing staff passed a toxicological test with scores >90

Biological event

The emergency department physicians are proficient in the mechanism of sending samples to the microbiology laboratory

4

Infrastructure & equipment

Mass casualty event

The "immediate site" for treating severe casualties is equipped with a cart designated for treating children

Mass toxicological event

At least 15 personal protection masks are immediately available in the emergency department

Biological event

Designated sites for isolating patients suffering from infectious diseases have been defined