Hospital's Fire Drill Exercise A Success

Aug. 10, 2011 - PRLog -- Kuala Lumpur, 10 August 2011: Loud sirens and flashing lights from five fire engines brought the busy traffic at Jalan Ampang at a near standstill recently when passers-by and on-lookers gathered to see patients and doctors scurrying for safety after ‘smoke’ bellowed from the building of Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur.

However, there was no reason for panic as it was a major fire drill exercise at the hospital’s premises.

A total of 41 firemen from the Jelatek, Ampang, Hang Tuah, Chow Kit and Pudu fire stations alongside with the hospital’s Emergency Response Team (HERT) joined forces to conduct the drill.

The hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Amir Firdaus Abdullah said such drills are extremely necessary to ensure the highest safety level for patients and staff.

“The fire drill aims to enhance emergency preparedness of the hospital. Through this exercise we can assess the coordination and response time of the various departments within the hospital and the fire department in case of emergency situations.”

Amir said hospital staff should be the first persons to know basic evacuation and emergency response skills since they are expected to save lives.

The fire drill exercise started off at 10am when a ‘fire’ broke out in the labour room. Within seconds, the Hospital Emergency Respond Team (HERT) assessed the situation and immediately sent out a distress signal to the nearest fire station.

Simultaneously announcements were made to all departments to prepare for evacuation.
Within eight minutes, fire engines entered the premises and took over the command center.

It looked almost like a real life situation when nurses and other hospital workers evacuated mock patients from the affected areas, using blankets, gurney and wheelchairs. Some were also seen providing treatment to the ‘injured’ patients. In less than 30 minutes, a fire out was declared.

Normal operations at the hospital continued while the drill was under way. A total of 1200 hospital staff were involved in the drill.

Hang Tuah Fire Station officer-in-charge Superintendent Mohd Mazukhi Shaffie commended the hospital for its initiative.

“The drill was definitely a success. By having its very own emergency response team, Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur is setting a very good example. Now, we can work very closely to ensure both the fire department and the hospital is prepared to manage any emergency situations.”

The hospital conducts fire drill at its premises on an annual basis to enhance staff competency and preparedness in handling fire emergencies.

However, the drill today was the first that involved the entire hospital and the Medical Office Block.

More information on this and all Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur’s latest activities is available at www.gleneagleskl.com.my