Going with No Flow: Coping with Hospital Water Supply Issues

• 2018

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• John Hick; Craig DeAtley

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About

This interview describes how MedStar Washington Hospital Center dealt with a sudden water outage and boil water advisory in July 2018. Staff quickly stopped surgeries, rerouted patients, used emergency water supplies, and followed their emergency plan. They learned to track all water sources, specify what kind of bottled water they need from vendors, and have backup plans for ice and laundry. The hospital also worked closely with city services to restore safe water. It highlights the importance of good planning, clear communication, knowing your resources, and practicing for emergencies like this one.

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Tags

Focus Area: Infrastructure Failure

Audience: Emergency Managers

Emergency Management Stages: Response; Preparedness (Prevention / Protection)

Keywords: Communication; Dialysis; Disaster Planning; Emergency Medical Services; Equipment and Supplies, Hospital; Health Facility Environment; Hospitals; Patient Care Management; Sanitation; Water Supply; Infection Control; Water Purification

Institutions: ASPR TRACIE

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