MRHS Conducts Ebola Safety Drill

SUBMITTED –

Mena Regional Health System recently participated in the River Valley Region Ebola Drill. Thirteen hospitals in the region participated in the event, which included Emergency Department physicians, nursing staff, laboratory technologists, and other employees that may come in contact with the possibly infected patient.

A RMCC nursing student was used as the 22-year old ‘patient’ to help emergency workers prepare for an unexpected outbreak. The ‘patient’ showed symptoms associated with Ebola such as, flu like symptoms, complaining of high fever, muscle pain, headache, and abdominal pain. The ‘patient’ said that they had traveled to Sierra Leone and had contact with an ill family member while visiting. The drill continued with immediate and precise infection control ensuring the safety of the patients, staff, and community.

The River Valley Region conducts tabletop and functional drills yearly in an effort to educate hospitals and communities on current issues affecting safety in health care. “The drills have proven to be extremely effective in ensuring safety, infection control, and overall preparedness,” said MRHS.

About Author

Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

See author's posts