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.
Emergency Operations & Command Center
Supervision of the medical care of casualties shall be the responsibility of the Medical Care Branch Director. The Medical/Technical Specialist(s) may provide medical direction to the Incident Commander in the EOC.
The Medical Care Branch Director or next in command will monitor the staffing of the various care and treatment facilities to ensure physicians are available where required. Physicians present in the Medical Center on initiation of Operation D, should proceed to the treatment area assigned on their disaster response cards. Arriving physicians should proceed to the treatment location designated on their disaster response cards. Medical Command will assign physicians to treatment facilities as casualty requirements dictate.
Physicians should report to the following areas:
| Function | Location | Specialties |
| Surgery | Surgery | Anesthesiologists, CRNAs, General Surgeons, Neurosurgeons, Oral Surgeons, Orthopedists, Otolaryngologists, Podiatrists, Urologists, Cardio-Vascular Surgeons |
| Triage/Shock and Trauma | Trauma Center | Dentists, Emergency Medicine, Internists, Neurologists, Pediatricians |
| Fracture/First Aid | Pre-Op | Family Practice, Ophthalmologists, Physiatrists |
| Obstetrical | Labor & Delivery | OB/GYNs |
| Pathology | Laboratory | Pathology |
| Burns | Physical Rehab | Plastic Surgeons |
| Radiology | Radiology | Radiologists |
| Cardiac | Cath Lab | Cardiologists |
Active Shooter Situations
Click here to see Active Shooter Pocket Card
Click here to see How to Respond Pocket Card
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.