Hospitals don't burn! Hospital Fire Prevention and Evacuation

ABSTRACT

[Introduction]. This guide was created to address the vulnerability of hospitals to fires. All possible steps should be taken to minimize the hazard of fires in hospitals and to stress the need for evacuation. Hospitals Don’t Burn! Hospital Fire Prevention and Evacuation Guide is applicable to existing hospitals that can be retrofitted to improve safety against fires as well as proposed or newly built facilities. The document is formatted into four main sections, namely Prevention, Suppression, Evacuation, Evacuation Training Drills. The primary aim of a hospital facility is to not evacuate patients unless absolutely necessary. Hence, special attention should be focused on proper prevention and suppression techniques to avoid this worst-case scenario. That being said, evacuation training and preparedness is of paramount importance to avoid and/or minimize loss of life. Section 3 provides a guide on hospital evacuation. It is not a fixed plan that completely details the tasks and responsibilities of each member of the evacuation team. Indeed, the components and personnel suggested in this guide may vary depending on the particular hospital for which the evacuation plan is being developed.