DATE: August 25, 2009
FROM: Jackie Brown, RN, MS
TO: ALL PSPH Departments & Medical Staff
RE: Emergency Center Access
The Emergency Center is working to improve security and confidentiality for our staff, patients and visitors. We are requesting the support of all employees of PSPH with this effort
Employees should refrain from passing through the Emergency Center as they [...]

On June 17, 2009 PSPH will be implementing new color codes to meet the Washington State standardization of emergency codes.

Code Red = Fire
• Smoke or fire is seen or smelled
• Excessive heat is noted on a wall, door or surface
• Fire Alarm

Code Blue = Heart or Respiration Stopping
• A patient is in cardiac or respiratory [...]

This a good reminder about “plans” and actual “emergency preparedness.” Although flames had chewed through the power lines that serve the Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, staff members thought that they would be fine. The hospital prided itself on its “state-of-the-art” back-up systems. But wind-whipped flames and choking smoke brought Olive View to a dark standstill [...]