Safeguarding the community

In an age when bio-terrorism is a very real concern, Thompson Health is active in protecting our community. We have invested in emergency equipment and developed emergency readiness plans and protocols.

• Thompson Health has Haz-Mat emergency suits and decontamination units, and trained Associates in Haz-Mat procedures. In the event of an industrial chemical spill or other emergency, the health system is prepared to treat residents exposed to dangerous substances and the crews who respond to the emergency.
  
  
• Thompson Health Incident Command System and protocols assign specific roles and responsibilities to Associates to ensure swift, effective response to emergencies.
  
  
• If disaster does strike this area, it’s likely that hospitals in the region will need to share their resources. Thompson and other hospitals have teamed to ensure a coordinated approach.

Prepare for pandemic, other emergencies
Health experts continue to warn the public about the possibility of a flu pandemic – a widespread outbreak that would have significant impact not only on public health, but also socially and economically. A pandemic could result in large numbers of people being absent from work or school, and requiring hospitalization. There’s no way to tell if or when a pandemic would strike, so preparing for such an emergency is essential.

“There is a lot of planning for pandemic at the national, state and local level,” says Dianne Moroz, Director of Infection Control and Disaster Preparedness for Thompson Health. Locally, Thompson Health partners with city, county and state agencies to prepare for natural disasters and health emergencies such as a possible pandemic.

While all levels of government prepare for widescale emergencies, Moroz notes the importance of personal preparedness. “In a real natural disaster such as a snowstorm or ice storm, or a pandemic, people may be forced to remain in their homes for days to weeks. There are things families can do to keep themselves healthy in such an emergency” – such as stockpiling adequate supplies of food, water and medicine.

Download our brochure about personal preparedness:
Emergency Preparedness Brochure