This report is a summary of hospital preparedness for responding to public health emergencies, including mass casualties and epidemics of naturally occurring diseases such as influenza. Sample data were weighted to produce national estimates. Key results:

. Nearly all hospitals had response plans for chemical releases, natural disasters, epidemics, and biological
incidents. Preparedness for explosive or incendiary incidents was less frequent than preparedness for
other types of incidents.
. While most hospitals had plans for cancellation of elective procedures and admissions, two-thirds had
plans for alternate care areas with beds, staffing, and equipment.
. One-half of hospitals planned for alternate care areas in inpatient hallways or decommissioned ward
space, or for conversion of inpatient units to augment intensive care.
. One-half of hospitals had adjusted standards of care for allocation of mechanical ventilators for mass
casualties.
. Although over one-half of hospitals had staged epidemic drills, only one-third included mass vaccination
or medication distribution.
. One-half of hospitals planned for advance registration of health care professionals.
. While most hospitals had memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with other hospitals to transfer adults
during an epidemic, fewer hospitals had MOUs for pediatrics and burns. Less than one-half of hospitals
accommodated the needs of children and persons with disabilities during a public health emergency.


From No. 37. “Hospital Preparedness for Emergency Response: United States, 2008.” For more information, click here.