All employees should be familiar with the disaster plans to assist in a safe evacuation of the building. This includes the following steps:
1. Post an evacuation plan that is accessible to patients and employees.
2. In the event of evacuation, all employees, including physicians, assist in the safe evacuation of patients.
3. Evacuate ambulatory patients as follows:
•Direct patients, staff, and any other individuals to evacuate away from the danger area.
•Do not use elevators.
•Back office staff supervises the evacuation of the exam rooms.
•Front office staff supervises the evacuation of the reception area.
•Calmly instruct individuals to collect their belongings and follow you to the nearest exit.
4. The Office Lead acts as the designated person to instruct all employees during the evacuation and of the steps necessary after the evacuation has been completed.
•All employees should locate the Office Lead for their office/suite for further instructions.
•The Office Lead takes a count of employees to ensure that everyone has evacuated safely. In buildings where more than one office is occupied by the company, each Office Lead will be responsible for their individual suite.
5. When deemed safe, the Office Lead instructs employees in pairs to re- enter the building to perform the following tasks:
•Unplug all machinery and lock all cabinets containing medication.
•Turn off gas, water, and electricity to the building.
•Survey the damage, and look for any individuals who may not have evacuated.
•Retrieve the emergency drug box to provide emergency care for any individuals in need.
6. The Office Lead designates a person to call the Practice Management Director or Operations Manager.
7. No front office or back office staff leave the parking area unless instructed to do so by the Office Lead, Practice Management Director, or Operations Manager.
8. All physicians are required to remain in the parking lot until dismissed by the Practice Management Director or Operations Manager.