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Blackout 2003: Preparedness and Lessons Learned from the Perspectives of Four Hospitals

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 June 2012

Kelly R. Klein
Affiliation:
Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit Michigan, USA Detroit Receiving Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, USA
Marc S. Rosenthal*
Affiliation:
Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit Michigan, USA Sinai-Grace Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, USA
Howard A. Klausner
Affiliation:
Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, USA
*
Department of Emergency MedicineWayne State University/Sinai-Grace Hospital6071 W. Outer DriveDetroit, MI 48235USA E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Introduction:

The blackout in North America of August 2003 was one of the worst on record. It affected eight United States states and parts of Canada for >24 hours. Additionally, two large United States cities, Detroit, Michigan and Cleveland, Ohio, suffered from a loss of water pressure and a subsequent ban on the use of public supplies of potable water that lasted four days. A literature review revealed a paucity of literature that describes blackouts and how they may affect the medical community.

Methods:

This paper includes a review of after-action reports from four inner-city, urban hospitals supplemented accounts from the authors' hospital's emergency operations center (emergency operations center).

Results:

Some of the problems encountered, included: (1)lighting; (2) elevator operations; (3) supplies of water; (4) communication operations; (5) computer failure; (6) lack of adequate supplies of food; (7) mobility to obtain Xray studies; (8) heating, air condition, and ventilation; (9) staffing; (10) pharmacy; (11) registration of patients; (12) hospital emergency operations center; (13) loss of isolation facilities; (14) inadequate supplies of paper; (15) impaired ability to provide care for non-emergency patients; (16) sanitation; and (17) inadequate emergency power.

Discussion:

The blackout of 2003 uncovered problems within the United States hospital system, ranging from staffing to generator coverage. This report is a review of the effects that the blackout and water ban of 2003 had on hospitals in a large inner-city area. Also discussed are solutions utilized at the time and recommendations for the future.

Conclusion:

The blackout of 2003 was an excellent test of disaster/emergency planning, and produced many valuable lessons to be used in future events.

Type
Brief Report
Copyright
Copyright © World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine 2005

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References

1.Auf der Heide, E: Disaster Response: Principles of Preparation and Coordination. St. Louis: CV Mosby; 1989.Google Scholar
2. Joint Commission Resources: Guide to Emergency Management Planning In Health Care. Oakbrook Terrace, IL: 2002.Google Scholar