June 4, 2007
As every Floridian is aware, June 1st marked the beginning of the 2007 Hurricane Season. As providers begin reviewing their disaster plans and educating patients and staff, the Florida Kidney Disaster Coalition (FKDC) would like to assist by providing tools that address a key component of disaster preparedness and response: communication. This week, an “Emergency Communications Kit” will be mailed to all Florida renal social workers in an effort to supplement their resources for emergency preparedness.
Communication is an integral part of day-to-day life, however it takes on an even more critical role during times of emergencies or disasters. Emergency situations will occur regardless of whether or not a community is prepared for them and having established partnerships with pre-identified methods of communication can greatly enhance the ability to respond in a timely and efficient manner.
While each emergency event may preclude different procedures, the common denominator in every plan is the need to communicate and respond to appropriate agencies, such as Emergency Management, utility companies, police and patients. In all types of emergency situations, the ability to respond in a prompt and effective manner can help to reduce trauma, decrease disorder, and, especially for dialysis patients, can even be the shaping factor between life and death.
Communication and patient safety during emergencies should not be compromised by the time it takes to figure out which key personnel should be contacted and how to contact them. The tools in this Emergency Communications Kit have been developed to assist providers in reducing the uncertainty in pre and post emergency communication and to increase providers’ ability to communicate with key stakeholders promptly and effectively in emergency situations.
Please remember, these materials are not intended to replace any corporate Policies and Procedures, but to serve as a resource guide that complements internal disaster plans. All of the Toolkit documents are also available for download on the FKDC website at www.fmqai.com/ESRD/FKDC/. We hope that you will encourage your social workers to utilize these materials to foster effective communication practices that will help to ensure the safety and care of all kidney patients
Sincerely,
Kelly M. Mayo, MS
Project Director
FKDC Member
