Speaker 1: Imagine this event just occurred within your building in your department. You hear a large bang, the lights flicker, and equipment turns off and reboots. The department is immediately buzzing with activity and your colleagues begin to discuss the situation with one another. Patients have a sense that something is happening, and family members are starting to express their concern for the situation. What might be your initial reactions to this emergency? When an emergency occurs, we all react differently. While some may be quick to react, others may hesitate. Responding to an emergency may never feel comfortable, even for the most experienced responders. But with training and practice, you will be more prepared and will increase the chances for a safe outcome. Think about your very first job. Your first week was likely filled with uncomfortable situations. But over time, and with practice, you started to feel more and more confident in nearly all situations. As we practice emergency response, we also get better and better. Here are some things you may want to think about when responding to an emergency in your department or any care or support service areas. While emergencies and disasters can take many shapes and forms, they can all be addressed in a similar fashion. As this video continues, you'll watch Hartford HealthCare team members in action.

Speaker 2: Is everyone okay? Christine, I need you to check on our patients in each room. I got it.

Speaker 3: I'll pull the emergency plan and review it.

Speaker 1: As demonstrated in the video, ensure your personal safety first. Then ensure the safety of other team members, people in our care, and visitors. Examine safe practices and follow established policy and procedures. Locate and review your emergency operations plan. Assess the situation and report the emergency. Communicate clearly and speak in plain language. Dial the internal emergency number or dial 911 as appropriate and follow the instructions of the emergency personnel.

Speaker 2: It seems like everyone is safe on our unit, but in case this event has not been reported, I'm going to call the emergency number.

Speaker 4: Public safety, what is the location of your emergency? Hi, we're located on the fourth floor. Okay, thank you. Now what is happening on your unit? The lights flickered and we heard a loud boom. Okay, we're receiving numerous reports of this.

Speaker 2: Oh, this is happening throughout the building. We'll update us as soon as possible, right?

Speaker 5: An emergency has been reported and additional information will be shared soon.

Speaker 1: Communicate with patients and family members.

Speaker 3: What's happening? The lights are flickering. I understand how you feel, Mrs. Jackson. As you may have heard on the overhead page, something unusual is happening in the building. We are taking steps to make sure that you and your family members are safe. We'll be sure to keep you informed. Okay, thank you.

Speaker 1: Participate in a department huddle. Share information with your supervisor and colleagues. You may also receive information from official sources like the Emergency Notification System. The system includes phone calls, text messages, emails, desktop notification, and overhead pages, among others. Avoid sharing rumors.

Speaker 2: Okay, everyone. There's something really unusual occurring in the building and we're not yet sure what's going on. I was wondering, what have you seen so far or are there any problems in your department? The lights flickered in a couple of the patient rooms.

Speaker 3: I felt the building shake. I heard a loud boom coming from the main hallway. Okay, great.

Speaker 2: Thank you for all this information.

Speaker 1: All HHC employees are considered vital before, during, and after emergencies. You may be asked to work under difficult conditions with limited resources, and you should continue your typical work unless otherwise directed. Be flexible and creative. You may be asked to perform tasks outside your routine, but always within your scope of practice and abilities.

Speaker 2: While we're not too sure what's occurring, we should continue to care for our patients. This is going to be difficult and tough. The Incident Management Team will provide us with updates shortly, and I'll make sure that I keep you informed and share any information I receive from them, okay? Let me know if there's anything I can do to help you do your work.

Speaker 1: Remember, first ensure the safety of yourself and others, then assess the situation and notify the emergency number. Communicate with your colleagues and patients. Participate in a department huddle, and keep doing your typical work unless otherwise directed. This situation may prove to be extremely challenging, but by following these steps, you increase the likelihood of a safe and successful emergency response.