Introduction: As a hospital with high patient volume and staffing, Bellevue is particularly susceptible to higher transmission rates. Bellevue stands as one of the largest hospitals in the United States, with over 800 inpatient beds. Emergency room visits are, therefore, higher than in most other hospitals. Transmission potential is also amplified by the fact that New York City is the most populated city in the United States, often contributing to overcrowding in both public spaces and living environments. Its role as a transit hub and port of entry increases its risk of imported cases, and Bellevue’s location in Kips Bay, New York City, puts the hospital at a uniquely vulnerable position for receiving patients who may have been exposed. This combination makes Bellevue a critical frontline institution in the face of an infectious disease outbreak, and thus necessitates an actionable plan around a potential EVD outbreak.
Continue reading “Mariana Braga, Sierra Nasir, and Johnny Quinones’ Disaster Plan: Bellevue Emergency Response Plan for Ebola Outbreak in the Emergency Room”Berkeley Sanchez, Shivani Shenoy, and Benjamin Tamarin’s Disaster Plan: Avian Influenza Outbreak Plan for Cali Hope Urgent Care Clinic
Introduction: CDC reports of the H5N1 cases over the years have been largely isolated in 5 states: California, Washington, Colorado, Texas, and Wyoming. In counties across California, cases of avian influenza have been reported, requiring a specialized response plan. The network of Cali Hope Urgent Care Clinic was chosen because of its patient reach and proximity to the epicenter. As an urgent care clinic, it is the best fit to detect and treat cases of avian influenza in humans as and when they arise and help the population in need.
Continue reading “Berkeley Sanchez, Shivani Shenoy, and Benjamin Tamarin’s Disaster Plan: Avian Influenza Outbreak Plan for Cali Hope Urgent Care Clinic”Kat Acierno, Natali Petrosyan, Martha Felipe’s Disaster Plan: ABC Emergency Plan for the Betty Ford Foundation
Introduction: Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is a nonprofit organization providing comprehensive behavioral health care. The organization has treatment centers and provides nationwide telehealth services. One of their addiction treatment centers is located in Naples, Florida. Florida is one of the several states that experience leading hepatitis rates nationwide, which may be linked to the high rates of opioid use in the state. Due to the relatively high rate of hepatitis cases within the state of Florida and the impacts that the state has generally faced due to an ongoing opioid crisis, we have chosen to focus our disaster plan on the aforementioned drug rehabilitation center in Naples, Florida.
Continue reading “Kat Acierno, Natali Petrosyan, Martha Felipe’s Disaster Plan: ABC Emergency Plan for the Betty Ford Foundation”Kimari A. McCoy, Desere Thompson, and DJ Windsor’s Disaster Plan: Active Shooter Preparation at the Dallas Pediatric Cardiac Care Center
Introduction: Violence against healthcare facilities is on the rise because they are emotionally charged environments, with open access to the public, and a perceived lack of security. Because of their open layouts, family-centered design (such as play areas and group therapy rooms), and the presence of young, vulnerable people, pediatric care facilities may be seen as “soft targets.” Staff members must protect patients, cooperate with emergency responders, secure locations quickly, and communicate properly with children and families in such a situation.
Continue reading “Kimari A. McCoy, Desere Thompson, and DJ Windsor’s Disaster Plan: Active Shooter Preparation at the Dallas Pediatric Cardiac Care Center”Lori Preldakaj, Emily Carbajal, and Emma Zeiger’s Disaster Plan: Wildfire Emergency Plan for Los Angeles Major Trauma Centers
Introduction: Los Angeles County is one of the most wildfire-prone regions in Southern California due to its steep terrain, dry vegetation, and widespread-urban interface near the Santa Monica Mountains. These conditions make the area especially vulnerable to fast-moving, wind-driven fires. In 2021, the Palisades Fire scorched over 1,200 acres and prompted widespread evacuations, demonstrating how quickly these incidents can escalate. In 2025, multiple wildfires reignited regional concern after fires threatened hillside neighborhoods and strained emergency services.
Continue reading “Lori Preldakaj, Emily Carbajal, and Emma Zeiger’s Disaster Plan: Wildfire Emergency Plan for Los Angeles Major Trauma Centers”Pierre Amiel, Chloe Wong, and Yuxin Yang’s Disaster Plan: Volcanic Hazards by Kona Community Hospital
Introduction: This disaster preparedness and response plan addresses the unique risks posed by volcanic hazards to the Kona Community Hospital Behavioral Health Unit (BHU), located in Kealakekua, Hawai‘i. The facility is situated on the western slopes of Hawai‘i Island, approximately 20 miles west of Mauna Loa’s summit and 40 miles northwest of Kīlauea’s caldera. While the hospital is not located in the highest hazard zone, it is situated within Lava Hazard Zone 3, an area historically vulnerable to fast-moving lava flows from Mauna Loa’s Southwest Rift Zone.
Continue reading “Pierre Amiel, Chloe Wong, and Yuxin Yang’s Disaster Plan: Volcanic Hazards by Kona Community Hospital”