Wake Forest Tests Emergency Protocols
WakeMed, the health system for Wake Forest University, recently completed an emergency drill to evaluate the facility’s ability to transfer dozens of critically ill avatar patients. One of the most important lessons learned during the drill was the importance of implementing the technology tools to support efforts during a natural disaster, as described by the News and Observer.
The hospital adopted a mobile communications command center to support the entire endeavor. The system was developed through a collaboration between IBM, Lenovo, Cisco, and other organizations. IBM was eager to collaborate in the effort, recognizing the growing role of mobile communications in medical technology.
WakeMed also received support from the federal government to create the system. The center was especially designed to meet the unique needs of the healthcare setting and can be used during disasters, whether or not the medical center is involved in the disaster. Regional associations and states may also be interested in purchasing similar systems.
The mobile center was built recognizing the inadequacies of existing systems; exemplified during the trials in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The equipment that is utilized allows clinical staff to access medical information systems from other facilities using satellite feeds.
The technology incorporated from Cisco allows communication between rescue teams, even if they have different equipment or are not utilizing the same frequency for transmission of communication.
The trial run of the WakeMed system was successful. Patients were evacuated to other facilities, even as the challenges were multiplied across the event. The importance is critical, as other facilities need to determine their ability to cope with natural disasters.
June 9, 2008 Related topics: Critical Care, New Technology & Innovation, Partnerships & Consortia, Quality, Safety, Errors