CODE ORANGE (EXTERNAL DISASTER)

CODE ORANGE (EXTERNAL DISASTER)

CODE ORANGE The purpose of a CODE ORANGE procedure is to establish a plan for the effective and efficient reception, assessment and treatment of a large number of casualties over a short period of time. In the case of a major external disaster such as an airplane crash, train derailment, chemical spill or gas line explosion, St. Joseph s Health Centre Guelph ( the Centre ) could be asked to assist in such a planned response. The most important objective in a CODE ORANGE at this facility would be to support the primary reception and treatment of patients at the Guelph General Hospital (GGH). Some of the ways that the Centre may be able to assist GGH include: providing staff support; providing additional supplies and equipment; and, providing an alternate site or facility space to help relieve the congestion at the primary reception and treatment area. For example, the Centre s Ambulatory Care area, cafeteria or Town Square could be used to provide a drop-off and pick-up area for those casualties who have are assessed as being ready to be discharged home, etc. We might also be asked to provide food, temporary shelter or emotional and spiritual support for families and friends of the victims. Because it is almost impossible to predict how events might unfold during an actual disaster, our organization must simply be prepared to respond to changing needs as they arise; however, some basic principles or suggested approaches are outlined here. CODE ORANGE PROCEDURE 1. The first person who receives the disaster alert should request important planning information such as: the type of disaster; the estimated number of casualties expected; and, the name and telephone number of the caller. The above information should be immediately communicated to the President/CEO (designate and/or Administrator on Call ). Code Orange - Revised Dec/02 2 of 5

2. The President/CEO (or designate) will declare the external disaster or CODE ORANGE alert and initiate the most appropriate response. The Presdient/CEO (or designate) is also responsible for determining when an escalated response such as the Emergency Telephone Fan-Out system should be initiated (see list in the back of this manual) and when it is appropriate to terminate the CODE ORANGE. 3. When a CODE ORANGE is declared, all staff must report to the facility immediately to be deployed as required. During a CODE ORANGE, many routine procedures will be suspended so that staff can be released to perform any additional duties required as part of the emergency response. 4. The President/CEO (or designate), all available members of the Senior and Middle Management Team and available secretarial support will be responsible for the overall coordination of the CODE ORANGE response. They will ensure that: all departments within the organization are notified and that required staff members are called in and deployed appropriately; any available medical staff are contacted and asked to assist in the response; the necessary food, supplies and equipment are in place; Central Registration staff document the arrival and departure (or disposition) of any casualties that are diverted to the Centre (see Appendix 1) and any inquiries regarding existing residents or incoming casualties are directed to the office of the President/CEO (or designate); if necessary, Building Services personnel direct staff to: - control the elevators to facilitate the movement of casualties, residents, nurses, supplies & equipment; - maintain essential building services; and, - control traffic (which may include limiting access to the parking areas on Westmount Road); Code Orange - Revised Dec/02 3 of 5

relatives of residents living within the facility as well as the families of any incoming casualties are kept informed in an appropriate and timely manner; communication with external sources is established as required. These sources could include: - Guelph General Hospital; - Fire Department; - Police Department; and, - Medical Officer of Health. information is shared with the media in an appropriate and timely manner. Some staff may be assigned to ensure only those media personnel with proper identification are permitted access to staff and information. Code Orange - Revised Dec/02 4 of 5

APPENDIX 1 DISASTER RESPONSE RECEPTION LOG TIME of Arrival PATIENT NAME (or Number) STATUS Good Fair Poor DISPOSITION* * i.e. to neighbourhood, home, morgue, etc. Code Orange - Revised Dec/02 5 of 5