Lack of Emergency Preparedness Training During Power Outage
Summary
The facility failed to develop, implement, and maintain an effective emergency training program for all staff, including contracted personnel, which is consistent with their expected roles and based on the facility assessment. This deficiency was identified during a survey when 15 different staff members across all three units were unable to locate emergency outlets during a partial power outage. The staff had not received training on handling electric power outages or the use of emergency outlets, which could potentially affect the entire census of 68 residents. During the survey, it was observed that the facility's power was interrupted, causing issues such as deflating air mattresses for residents. Several staff members, including CNAs, LPNs, and Med Techs, were interviewed and expressed their lack of knowledge regarding the location of emergency outlets and the procedures to follow during a power outage. Some staff members mentioned that they had not received any emergency preparedness training specific to power outages, while others were unsure if the facility even had emergency outlets. The Director of Nursing (DON) and the Director of Maintenance (DM) provided insights into the situation, indicating that the building lost partial power due to a blown fuse caused by a squirrel. The generator took an hour to activate, leaving some units without power. The DON acknowledged that staff should have been trained on emergency preparedness and the location of emergency outlets, but this training had not yet been conducted. The lack of training and preparedness led to residents experiencing discomfort and potential risks during the power outage.
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