[Hospital emergency and contingency planning as central element of the structuring of robust hospitals for coping...

There is an increasing focus on preparation for disasters, crises and wars. The ability to react to such exceptional situations affects many pillars of a society. A key component of crisis response is the maintenance of medical care. This, in turn, has a significant impact on care in the outpatient and inpatient settings. Accordingly, hospitals must be prepared for such situations. An important element of such preparation is the hospital emergency and contingency planning (HECP). This requires detailed organization, structuring, planning, training and practice. Important elements of HECP are leadership, communication, zoning and the management of personnel, space and resources. The establishment of a leader of the HECP who coordinates and implements the planning is important and must be accompanied by an appropriate indemnification. Funding must be considered but cannot be an argument for failing to make serious and effective planning. Disasters that hit us unprepared will seriously jeopardize the healthcare system and thus the health of the population. Robust healthcare systems and robust hospitals can play their part in reducing the medical and social impact of disasters.