Psychiatric Centre Ghent-Sleidinge
Kim Vandevoorde has held the position of Quality and Emergency Plan Coordinator at the Psychiatric Centre Ghent-Sleidinge (PCGS) for four years. They are implementing a comprehensive emergency plan with IDEWE’s help to guarantee the safety of patients, staff and visitors in an emergency. In a hostage situation or a fire, for example, such a plan is crucial for taking quick, effective action.
“The emergency plan for hospitals includes procedures for the emergency services, ranging from evacuation to communication and coordination. The plan also ensures the continuity of our care”, explains Kim. “I draw up the emergency plan, maintain it and implement it throughout our institution. Fortunately, I’m not doing that all on my own, but with IDEWE’s help.”
I work closely with the various departments to make sure we have a tailored emergency plan.”
Evacuation exercise with LEGO EduBricks
Kim’s expertise and dedication make sure the emergency plan is up to date and complies with the guidelines set out by the federal government. “I work closely with the various departments at the hospital to ensure we have a tailored emergency plan. Together with IDEWE, I also coordinate training courses and exercises to ensure staff are familiar with the plan and prepared for emergencies.”
“Alongside Redgy Decuyper, our IDEWE prevention expert, I organised an evacuation simulation using LEGO EduBricks for our closed department. Our technical team sent the department’s floor plan to Redgy in advance. He indicated all the emergency exits and fire extinguishers on the plan. We used LEGO men to simulate realistic emergency situations and practise the evacuation procedures”, says Kim.
“By taking this practical approach, we trained our employees to evacuate the people in our closed department quickly and efficiently. The interactive exercises encouraged teamwork, problem-solving and stress management in a realistic environment. Redgy prepared a sheet for us in advance outlining how the exercise worked, which was fantastic. That allows us to repeat the exercise when we need to.”
These fire-extinguishing exercises are crucial for familiarising the emergency intervention team with the fire-extinguishing procedures and preparing them for emergencies.
Fire-extinguishing exercise held four times a year
Kim teams up with IDEWE to organise fire-extinguishing exercises for the emergency intervention team four times a year. They assess the severity of the situation and put out the fire where possible. “These exercises are crucial for familiarising the team with the fire-extinguishing procedures and preparing them for emergencies. IDEWE show our staff the right techniques to use and explain strategies for using fire extinguishers. It all takes place in a professional, accessible environment thanks to IDEWE’s experts.”
Put your emergency plan into practice with a tabletop exercise.
A sandpit exercise allows you to practise the internal emergency plan and adjust it as required.