by: NOEL M. LAXAMANA, MD, DFM
Disaster Risk Reduction Management for Health (DRRM-H) Manager
BATAAN GENERAL HOSPITAL – On July 13, 2017, the hospital’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management for Health (DRRM-H) conducted a one-day orientation to selected hospital personnel on the Incident Command System (ICS). This is an initiative of our Medical Center Chief, following her significant training on the Incident Command System (Executive Course).
The program started with opening remarks and a brief update on the contingency planning of BGH, led by Medical Center Chief II, Dr. Glory V. Baltazar. She first discussed the history and effects of the movement of the West Valley Fault, more commonly known as the “Big One.” Further, she talked about the activation of the code alerts, with “Code Red” being the highest among the three, and role of the hospital personnel should the “Code Red” be set in motion. Also, she called upon the Division Chiefs to prepare, pre-position and procure logistical needs, such as medical tents, cot beds and “go-bags,” to name a few, as part of preparation and contingency planning.
Right before noontime, Dr. Noel M. Laxamana and Dr. Don Arlie S. Romero provided lectures on the background, principles and purpose of the hospital ICS. They also provided important points on the importance of the ICS organization, with emphasis on the 4Cs (Command, Control, Communications and Coordination), 4Ss (Space, Stuff, Staff and Special) and 3Ts (Triage, Treatment and Transport). Dr. Romero gave special mention to ICS facilities, which would include Staging Areas, Incident Command Post, Advanced Medical Post and the like. A video clip was shown, which demonstrated the proper and prompt conduct of the Japanese people in the Great Eastern Earthquake of 2011, particularly in one of their Red Cross Hospitals.
In the afternoon, the participants, who are mostly Medical Specialists and Clinical Department Heads, gave their best of insights in the tabletop exercises. The first exercise involved the creation of an ICS organization, based on the principles of the Single Command System and the Unified Command System. To sustain their motivation in the training, Dr. Laxamana and Dr. Romero then made an earthquake scenario at BGH, and tested the group’s critical thinking following the principles of ICS. This was made through the conduct of a tabletop exercise, utilizing a large map surrounding the hospital’s premises, and cut-out vehicles and facilities printed in paper. The output was presented in the presence of the Medical Center Chief, with a lively discussion and evaluation.
The training ended up in the nomination and election of an Incident Commander (IC) among the group. Dr. Laxamana and Dr. Romero were elected as the First Call ICs, and Dr. Luis Hizon and Dr. Roberto Luneta were chosen as the Deputy ICs. Dr. Baltazar remains as the agency’s Responsible Official or Responsible Officer, for whom the Incident Commander reports directly to, in case of a mass casualty incident.