CHFM - Certified Healthcare Facility Manager Emergency Management Preparedness Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of a 96-hour utility preparedness requirement referenced in Joint Commission Environment of Care standards?

Answer: To ensure the facility can sustain essential utility services for at least 96 hours without external assistance

TJC EC.02.05.07 requires hospitals to have documented plans for managing the loss of utility systems and to be able to sustain utility operations — including fuel, water, and power — for a minimum of 96 hours without external support.

In healthcare emergency management, what is the role of the National Incident Management System (NIMS)?

Answer: To provide a standardized framework for coordinating emergency response across all levels of government and the private sector

NIMS provides a consistent nationwide framework enabling all levels of government, the private sector, and NGOs to work together effectively during incidents of any size, using common terminology, command structures, and coordination processes.

A hospital loses its primary water supply. According to emergency preparedness best practices, what is the minimum amount of potable water that should be stored per person per day for basic needs?

Answer: 1 gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation

Emergency preparedness guidelines generally recommend a minimum of 1 gallon of potable water per person per day for drinking and basic sanitation, though medical facilities may need significantly more due to clinical care requirements.

During an active shooter event at a healthcare facility, the Department of Homeland Security recommends which primary response options for staff?

Answer: Run, hide, fight — in that order of preference

DHS's 'Run, Hide, Fight' guidance prioritizes escaping the threat first (run), hiding if evacuation is impossible (hide), and only as a last resort, confronting the shooter (fight) to protect lives.

What is the primary function of a healthcare coalition (HCC) in emergency preparedness?

Answer: To coordinate resource sharing, situational awareness, and mutual aid among multiple healthcare organizations in a region

Healthcare coalitions facilitate regional coordination among hospitals, emergency medical services, public health agencies, and emergency management to share resources, information, and support during emergencies that exceed any single facility's capacity.

A hospital's emergency generator fails to start during a power outage. Which action is most appropriate as an immediate Interim Life Safety Measure (ILSM)?

Answer: Activate manual fire watch, notify patients and staff, and implement documented downtime procedures for life safety systems

When life safety systems are impaired, ILSMs must be immediately implemented. For generator failure, this includes manual fire watch, notification of staff, and activation of downtime procedures while the generator is repaired or backup power is obtained.