OLEAN — Olean General Hospital conducted a simulated drill on Friday to replicate an emergency situation that would affect hospital operations.
The drill took place with hospital leaders initiating its “incident command protocol” to address the simulated scenario.
The exercise, which ran for two hours, engaged all department leaders. With the upcoming surge of visitors to the area due to the solar eclipse April 8, hospital leadership wanted to ensure they’re prepared to effectively navigate an emergency situation.
“Trainings like these are an effective tool to help our team ensure they’re ready to act,” Dr. Jill Owens, president of Upper Allegheny Health System, which operates Olean General and Bradford (Pa.) Regional Medical Center. “Having the team run drills in crisis situations allows them to effectively communicate and address areas of readiness, response and recovery.”
Owens added, “Our team did an amazing job collaborating in this mock situation, talking through various needs in times of a potential catastrophe and observing any gaps in our system. Overall, a great learning experience for those that participated.”