Identifying Patients during a Disaster

[jacesmom2]

I am writing a new Emergency Preparedness Plan for our Adult Day facility due to our current policy being non-compliant after our recent survey. Can you give me suggestions how to maintain the proper identification of each client to ensure that care coincides with the client's needs.

Are they referring to care plans or a client photo book? I guess I'm stumped since I'm new at writing policies.

Any suggestions are appreciated!!!

Thank You!

Jacesmom2

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

The last time I had to do this, we invited the local fire chief in to help us.

His recommendation-station 3 people at the front door. Have ready before hand, stickers on which you write patient #1, pt. #2 and so on.

One person stands at the door with the chart, one stands with the meds and a pre packed bag of belongings, briefs, etc and one has a clip board. As the pts line up to go out, you stick a #1 on the patient, their chart, and their bag of belongings. Then you write on your log "Pt #1 transferred to Pleasant Valley. You continue until all the patients are safely out. This way, the right chart goes with the right patient.....they have their meds, and most important..YOU know where they've gone.

I've been told more than once in 3 different towns that if a big emergency hits the area, we will be on our own. Planning before the disaster makes all the difference.