Preparedness of Healthcare Workers for Fire Emergencies and Evacuation Protocols

Abstract

Fire is the most prevalent cause of disaster in healthcare systems, necessitating immediate action despite being preventable. To prioritize patient and staff safety, actions must be taken at the facility level through protocols, inspections, and maintenance checks. The physical structure and environmental status of the building should also be assessed regularly, including evacuation and transportation routes. Hospitals must develop a comprehensive evacuation plan based on international and national standards. Prior to implementation, a needs assessment should determine spatial, financial, and human resources, and provide the specific population on-site. After determining feasibility, the plan should undergo evaluation and update (Sahebi et al., 2021). Systematic regulation is required to prevent fire hazards and reduce injury to participants involved in the event as well as non-participant community members, both directly and indirectly (Goniewicz et al., 2020).