Hospital crisis communication strategies for public safety and information management

Hospital Crisis

The crises that I have chosen have a common theme. The theme is one in which a hospital is forced to share information in a manner which will not incite public panic. As such, I have chosen the following crises: 1) A terrorist attack with widespread casualties; 2) An assassination attempt on the president; and 3) An outbreak of a virulent virus whose method of transmission is unknown.

Scenario #1: Terrorist Attack

Today, January 1st, 2012, U.S. General Hospital is currently caring for over 1,257 victims from yesterday's attack. In order to see if a loved one has been admitted please call the following toll-free [HIDDEN], operators are on standby and will be able to check patient admission lists. We ask that family members stay at nearby hotels and motels: the hospital is filled to capacity including waiting rooms and corridors and unfortunately cannot accommodate any non-essential staff or family members. We ask that instead of sending flowers the public go the nearest fire department to donate blood. Hospitals are experiencing blood shortages and donating blood would be a great way to help out during this national tragedy.

Currently many of the casualties are as a result of the stampede which occurred at the stadium and the structural damage to buildings beneath which victims were caught. Nearly 1/3 of those admitted have minor injuries, while the remaining 2/3 have moderate to severe injuries. As ambulances across the city are still assisting victims and driving to hospitals we remind that is critically important to observe right of way rules and allow ambulances to proceed to hospitals. We also ask that you call 911 to identify any areas where victims have not yet received assistance. We are confident that our hospital is equipped to deal with the casualties and injuries and remind you to donate blood if possible.

Scenario #3: Outbreak of a Virus

Ladies and Gentleman, so far, U.S. General Hospital has been unable to identify the virus currently circulating. Unfortunately we do not know the method of transmission nor have we yet classified the virus. What we do know so far is that from the moment symptoms begin to show up until fatal hemorrhaging occurs consists of 5-7 days. We ask that unless it is absolutely essential that the public remain within their homes. We are asking that everyone who does go out in public where gloves and masks. A concerted effort is being made to provide water and canned goods so that individuals do not have to leave their homes in order to procure food.

The Center for Disease Control is coordinating research about the virus and working frantically towards the creation of a vaccine. The public can receive the latest information about Virus X, as it is temporarily named, by checking out the http://www.cdc.gov. Preliminarily, the following symptoms have been identified:

Day 1-2: Coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing;

Day 2-3: Loss of appetite and increased sweating;

Day 3-4: Feeling of numbness which ebbs and flows in arms and legs;

Day 4-5: Continuous shaking and inability to get warm

Day 5-6: Bloody stools, and bloody urine; and Day 7: Massive internal hemorrhaging, which if not treated immediately, leads to death.

It is important that one gets to a hospital at the first sight of symptoms so that you can be monitored. The only sure diagnosis is an escalation of symptoms. We are hopeful that this virus will be contained and remind the public to remain indoors as much as possible.