How Does Middlesex Prepare for Emergencies

When the unthinkable happened, Middlesex Hospital was ready.

No one ever knows what will happen each day. The Hospital didn't know that a car would crash into the entrance of its Emergency Department in Middletown on February 22 and result in a fire. However, staff acted quickly and appropriately and worked together as a team. It is because of their remarkable efforts and the help of first responders that all patients and employees are safe.

"There were many heroic acts that day," says Jim Hite, Middlesex's director of environmental safety and protective services. "We demonstrated that we live our mission and that we all have a role in achieving that mission to provide safe, quality care."

But how does that happen? How did the Hospital's many employees stay calm under such pressure and know just what to do?

It comes down to training.

While no one can ever predict what will happen, Middlesex conducts regular emergency drills as a way to prepare for various situations, including a fire. While the Hospital's drills do involve specific scenarios, its emergency plans can be adapted and used as needed during any emergency. The Hospital also works with local police officers and firefighters, Middletown officials, the state Department of Public Health and other members of the community to determine the best course of action.

"We are proud to work with our community partners," Hite says. "Having strong relationships is vital to emergency planning and response success."

Being prepared for an emergency is so important that Middlesex is required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and The Joint Commission to complete two emergency preparedness exercises every year, and at least one of the exercises requires community involvement. In addition to Middletown, Middlesex has Emergency Departments in Marlborough and Westbrook.

Middlesex believes strongly that more training sessions improve response, and Hite says that's why Middlesex often conducts more training sessions than required. Following each drill, performance is assessed and tweaks are made to emergency plans. An emergency management committee meets throughout the year to assess hazards and discuss any situations that arise.

"In my 25-plus years of working at Middlesex, our staff and the community have always combined our talents and rose to the occasion during every emergency situation," Hite says. "We've minimized any impact and protected our patients."

At the time of publication, Middlesex Hospital's normal Emergency Department in Middletown remains closed. Cleanup and restoration work is underway.

The Hospital established a temporary Emergency Department in its outpatient surgical services area less than 48 hours after the crash and fire. While the Hospital is providing emergency services at this time, it is only accepting walk-in patients – not patients by ambulance.

If you have any questions, please call 860-358-6000.