Emergency Management & Safety Information
Emergency Notification Announcements
at Hendrick-Owned Facilities
Hendrick Health uses "Plain Language Emergency Notifications." Hendrick adopted the Texas Hospital Association (THA) policy to use plain-language alerts in the event of an emergency in lieu of hospital-specific color codes. Hendrick does not use color codes with the exception of CODE BLUE.
All emergency alerts announced via overhead page by the operators or text message using the Amerilert Mass Text Alert System will be broadcasted using straight forward language in the clear. When an Emergency Notification is announced, follow any additional guidance that is given.
The intent of using plain-language alerts is to:
- Promote the safety of patients, visitors, physicians and hospital staff.
- Reduce errors.
- Increase transparency of communications and safety protocols.
- Align with national safety recommendations.
- Reduce confusion for staff or physicians who work in more than one facility.
Plain language notification is divided into four emergency categories: facility, security, weather and medical alerts.
When initiating an emergency notification call:
- Initiate the notification process for the specific emergency by contacting the HMC Emergency Operator (ext. 2222) or Security Dispatch Office (ext. 2911 ).
- Use plain language to reduce confusion.
- The Operator will relay the emergency notification.
- The Operator will make the announcement a minimum of three times or as appropriate.
Initiating an Emergency Notification Call
Call ext. 2222 or ext. 2911 for emergencies on the main Hendrick campus. On-campus facilities include:
- Hendrick Health, Main Hospital, Jones Building and Emergency Care Center
- Hendrick Center for Rehabilitation (HCR)
- Hendrick Cancer Center (Shelton Building)
For off-campus facilities, call 911.
NOTE: In all circumstances, give the following information: Name / Location / Issue (example: fire, act of violence, injury, etc.)
Fire Emergency Response
- Rescue – Remove anyone in immediate danger.
- Alarm – Dial 2222 (on campus)/ 911 (off campus). Report name and location of fire.Pull fire alarm.
- Contain – Close doors.
- Extinguish – If fire is small, use a fire extinguisher.
Fighting the Fire
- P Pull the pin.
- A Aim at the base of the flames
- S Squeeze the handle
- S Sweep from side to side.
In the Event of a Disaster
In the event a disaster occurs (example: tornado, mass casualty, etc.), an announcement will be made to inform everyone that "Emergency Operation Plan is in Effect," and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated. The EOC is located on the third floor, Room 3439. Staff and physicians will be notified on where to report.
Where to Find Additional Safety Information
Additional safety and emergency information can be found on the Hendrick APPS Launcher (intranet) under the "Environment of Care" tab.