Module 4 - Prevention and Management of Catastrophes and Unusual Occurrences

What are the 5 key safety tips for CNAs?

1. Recognize and report unsafe conditions immediately.

2. Follow facility procedures for handling emergencies.

3. Ensure proper use of medical equipment to avoid malfunctions.

4. Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free environment.

5. Assist patients with mobility to prevent falls and injuries.

What are the 3 types of emergencies in the healthcare field?

1. Internal Disasters

2. External Disasters

3. Medical Emergencies

Define “Internal Disasters”

Fires, power failures, water supply issues, or equipment malfunctions.

Define “External Disasters”

Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, mass accidents, or bioterrorism attacks.

Define “Medical Emergency”

Cardiac arrests, choking, allergic reactions, or sudden changes in a patient's condition.

What are the 7 emergency codes?

1. Code Red

2. Code Blue

3. Code Yellow

4. Code Gray

5. Code Silver

6. Code Orange

7. Code Black

What is “Code Red”?

Fire emergency

What is “Code Blue”?

Medical emergency (e.g., cardiac arrest)

What is “Code Yellow”?

Bomb threat

What is “Code Gray”?

Combative or aggressive person

What is “Code Silver”?

Active shooter or hostage situation

What is “Code Orange”?

Hazardous material spill

What is “Code Black”?

Severe weather emergency

What are the 4 main causes of fires in a healthcare setting?

1. Smoking near oxygen sources or flammable materials

2. Overloaded electrical outlets or faulty wiring

3. Improper storage of chemicals and cleaning supplies

4. Unattended cooking appliances

What is the acronym for fire emergency response?

R.A.C.E.

Define acronym RACE

R – Remove patients and staff from danger.

A – Activate the nearest fire alarm.

C – Contain the fire by closing doors and windows.

E – Extinguish the fire if it is small and safe to do so.

What is the acronym for using a fire extinguisher?

P.A.S.S.

Define acronym PASS

P – Pull the safety pin.

A – Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.

S – Squeeze the handle to release the extinguisher.

S – Sweep the nozzle side to side to cover the fire area.

What are the 5 fall preventing measures?

1. Keep floors dry and free of clutter.

2. Ensure patients wear non-slip footwear.

3. Lock wheelchairs and beds before transfers.

4. Answer call lights promptly to assist patients with mobility.

5. Use bed alarms for high-risk patients.

What are the 4 burn prevention strategies for patients?

1. Always check bath water temperature before assisting patients.

2. Keep hot drinks away from patient areas.

3. Monitor patients using heating pads or oxygen therapy.

4. Avoid using microwaves for patient food unless necessary.

What are the 5 oxygen safety guidelines?

1. Post “No Smoking: Oxygen in Use” signs in patient areas.

2. Ensure oxygen tubing is free from kinks or obstructions.

3. Avoid petroleum-based lotions near oxygen sources as they can ignite.

4. Keep electrical devices in good working condition to prevent sparks.

5. Store oxygen tanks upright and secured in designated areas.

What are the 3 types of constraints?

1. Soft protective devices

2. Vest or jacket devices

3. Wrist or ankle restraints

Explain “Soft protective devices”?

Prevent patients from harming themselves.

Explain “Vest or Jacket devices”

Secure patients in chairs or beds safely.

Explain “Wrist or ankle restraints”

Prevent self-harm or removal of medical devices.

What are the 4 legal and ethical considerations for restraints?

1. Restraints require a physician’s order and regular reassessment.

2. Improper use of restraints can be considered false imprisonment.

3. Patients in restraints must be monitored frequently for safety and comfort.

4. Restraints should be used as a last resort, prioritizing alternatives such as bed alarms, redirection, and supervision.

What is bioterrorism?

The intentional release of biological agents to cause illness and panic

What are the 3 types of bioterrorism agents?

1. Biological Threats

2. Chemical Threats

3. Radiological and Nuclear Threats

What are biological threats?

Anthrax, smallpox, ricin, botulism.

What are chemical threats?

Poisonous gases or hazardous chemical spills.

What are radiological and nuclear threats?

Exposure to radioactive materials.

What are the 4 response guidelines to bioterrorism?

1. Follow facility emergency protocols for hazardous exposure.

2. Report suspicious symptoms or illnesses that may indicate an outbreak.

3. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure risks.

4. Stay informed on CDC and Homeland Security guidelines for disaster response.

Emergency Preparedness

The process of planning for and responding to disasters and unexpected events.

Disaster Plan

A healthcare facility’s outlined procedures for responding to emergencies.

Fire Safety

Measures taken to prevent and respond to fires, including evacuation plans and extinguisher use.

RACE

A fire emergency response procedure: Remove, Activate, Contain, Extinguish.

PASS

A method for using fire extinguishers: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

Fall Prevention

Strategies to reduce the risk of patient falls, such as using assistive devices and keeping floors clear.

Burn Prevention

Practices that prevent thermal injuries, such as checking bath water temperature.

Oxygen Therapy

The administration of supplemental oxygen to patients with respiratory conditions.

Oxygen Safety

Guidelines to prevent fire hazards when oxygen is in use, including “No Smoking” policies.

Postural Supports (Restraints)

Devices used to restrict movement for patient safety, requiring proper authorization.

False Imprisonment

The unlawful restraint of a person without their consent.

Emergency Codes

Standardized alert systems in healthcare facilities (e.g., Code Red for fire, Code Blue for medical emergencies).

Bioterrorism

The intentional release of harmful biological agents to cause illness or disruption.

Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)

Dangerous chemicals or substances that require special handling.

Incident Report

A written record of an unusual event or accident in a healthcare facility.

Infection Control

Protocols used to prevent the spread of infections during disasters and emergencies.

Evacuation Procedure

A plan for safely removing individuals from a facility during an emergency.

Mass Casualty Incident (MCI)

An emergency involving a large number of injured individuals requiring coordinated response.

Security Threat

A situation that poses a risk to patients, staff, or the facility.