When the first plane hit the World Trade Center on September 11, emergency preparedness took on a whole new meaning and objective. While our member hospitals have always had disaster plans in place, they now have taken the responsibility for emergency preparedness to a new level. These tragic terrorist events and the new threats have significantly expanded the role of hospitals in the community. In addition to caring for the sick and injured during times of crisis, hospitals are expected to support a variety of disaster readiness activities - information, preventative services, and a coordinated emergency response. The member hospitals of the Nassau Suffolk Hospital Council are now part of a bi-county effort to develop a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan. With the Hospital Council as the coordinating agency, these hospitals are working with local law enforcement agencies, EMT services, and state and county government officials. Their final plan will serve as a blueprint for the implementation of coordinated regionwide emergency response activities. This will allow each hospital and the Hospital Council to respond to any disaster - natural or manmade - with one voice and coordinated resources. Representatives from our 24 member hospitals - administrative leaders, emergency medicine professionals, physicians - as well as, fire and rescue marshals and county officials meet monthly at a disaster preparedness meeting. These individuals are working out the details for a coordinated disaster readiness and response plan that will maximize communication and first response efforts.
LI Hospitals, Emergency Agencies Drilled for Disaster Readiness
"Healthy Long Island" Public Information Campaign - Phase II
Emergency Preparedness:
Information About SARS:
Materials from the DOH:
DOH Clinical Information: | 
