Shelter in the storm: disasters put hospitals to the test.
If disaster response is the ultimate test of our health care delivery system, California hospitals over the past three years have been subjected to what seems like final exams. Beginning with the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989 and continuing with the Oakland firestorm in October 1991, the I-5 dust storm in November 1991, the Cape Mendocino quake in April, the Los Angeles riots in May, the Landers and Bear Lake quakes in June, and forest fires throughout the summer, California hospitals have risen to each and every occasion, showing consistent dedication to quality care while under tremendous stress. During these disasters, hospitals served as shelters in the storm for their communities, as thousands of wounded, sick and frightened poured through their doors. Staff performed more than their usual duties during these crises. Some worked double shifts. Others came to work and pitched in even though they were off duty. Many comforted patients while they worried about the safety of their own families and homes. Following are the experiences of some of these individuals.
D002140:California; D003159:Community-Institutional Relations; D004189:Disaster Planning; D004190:Disasters; D006739:Hospital Administration / Q000379:methods*; D010934:Planning Techniques