Emergency Management

NuHealth System is home to Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC). As the region’s premier Level I trauma center NUMC treats many of Nassau County’s most critically injured patients, and has long carried the responsibility of being the area’s safety net hospital.

We are committed to fostering the protection, safety and well being of patients, staff and visitors during an emergency and ensuring adherence to our social purpose and commitment to our community. To that end, NuHealth’s Emergency Management Department is responsible for disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery programs to ensure that the highest level of quality care and service to our patients is maintained during any type of disaster.

Our Emergency Management Department strives to uphold and continue to improve upon the four basic phases of emergency management.

Mitigation
Proactive efforts are implemented to minimize the severity and impact of potential disasters. It includes proper arrangement, location and placement of items, emergency management considerations in planning for renovations and construction prudent storage of hazardous materials conformance to building and fire/life safety codes inspection, testing and maintenance of utility systems, implementation of security measures to reduce exposure and appropriate supplies on hand for extended durations.

Preparedness
Involves a uniform command structure Hospital Incident Command System (HICS), designated hospital Emergency Operations Center (EOC) with guidelines/instruction for staff, arrangements for additional emergency supplies/resources, written protocols and alert notifications, staff training, needs anticipation and coordination with local response agencies.

Response
Focuses on all tactical activities taken to address the disaster at hand. All departments are expected to implement appropriate aspects of the plans including patient triage, treatment and tracking assessment of areas in need of support, incident command system activation, reduce ensuing or secondary events, initiate interim contingency plans to deal with system failures, and shortfalls communicate status/needs to the EOC and coordinate efforts with local agencies.

Recovery
Entails efforts to quickly and effectively reestablish business, resume critical support functions, continue provision of care and ensure financial integrity.

Additional Resources

FEMA
http://www.fema.gov/

National Disaster Medical System (NDMS)
http://www.phe.gov/preparedness/pages/default.aspx

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/

Nassau County Health Department
http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Health/index.html

Nassau County Government
http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/

Center for Domestic Preparedness
https://cdp.dhs.gov/