How is your ED preparing for H1N1?

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

I went to our local ENA meeting last week, and one of the host facility's ED docs gave a presentation on how they intend to deal with any kind of massive flu outbreak and resulting influx of patients. One very interesting concept -- drive-through triage! (I mean, doesn't that sound good RIGHT NOW? LOL) The patients will drive up to a staffed checkpoint and be triaged in the car, without getting out -- they're looking at the vehicle as a good little isolation unit in itself. If the patient needs further treatment (IV fluids, meds, etc.), they'll be directed to another area. If they're more worried than sick (febrile with some symptoms, but basically okay, holding down fluids, etc.) they'll get a work note if needed and a scrip for Tamiflu if warranted, then sent on their way home. Pretty good idea, I think.

It was interesting for me to see their plans, because I'm also a paramedic in that city and that ED is where I transport patients as a paramedic.

And of course, we agreed that putting a vending machine outside the ED with Vicodin and work notes right now might be a helpful thing. LOL!

[EmergencyNrse]

Masks, Tissues, and lotsa hand sanitizer.

Ready to Rock!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Hygiene is extremely important

We are planning staffing and influx of numerous patients as if major disaster struck city (tornado, flood, etc). We will work disaster plan if needed.

[mudd68]

Our hospital is implementing our disaster system. Pt's coming with flu like symptoms will immediatley be given a mask, secluded from others (i.e. in the waiting room and general ER population) and directed to a tent system set up nearby.

Here's the link for all the details

http://www.cleveland.com/healthfit/index.ssf/2009/09/flu_patients_at_metrohealth_me.html

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Our biggest issue is going to be space constraints, if this ends up in "national disaster" numbers. I work in a freestanding ED, and we only have 15 beds in the first place! And only 7 of them are in rooms with doors. I haven't heard much from our higher-ups about plans for a huge onslaught of patients, but I've been told the plans are in the works. They're planning the plans. Something along those lines. Ha ha.

Thanks for sharing your link, mudd68!

[Jennifer, RN]

The only thing I have heard is that my ER is planning on setting up a separate flu clinic where pt's with flu symptoms/complaints will be directed to go. Still will be on site of our hospital. I haven't heard of any plans for any disaster planning. I am concerned at how our hospital will handle the increased influx of patients though, since our census has increased significantly over the last couple of weeks. The last few days, the department has barely kept it's head above water, so if the patient load increases even more, I don't know how we will cope

[mwboswell]

At a department meeting about two weeks ago, the director and manager said that the "disaster" plan would be activated when our patient:nurse ratio consistently remained above 8:1.... We're at this already most nights!!!

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

MB, is it flu you're seeing that's raising your numbers?

We had a kiddo with flu yesterday, and our doc said it was H1N1 -- he said that's the only flu around right now, and it's pretty widespread.

[mwboswell]

No, not the flu so much - we run a 6,7 and even sometimes 8:1 nurse/pt ratio just with our REGULAR patients!! So when is THIS a disaster???? I'm just asking!

[okie4ever]

With pregnant patients being such high risk, is anyone placing them in a different area?