While California has had no cases of Ebola virus disease, Loma Linda University Health drilled for such a scenario Nov. 20 as part of its continual commitment to train for potential disasters. The infectious disease drill also took place across California as the 2014 Statewide Medical and Health Exercise.
The drill at Loma Linda University Health saw the unified command center go into action on the simulated scenario that a patient who recently traveled arrives in the emergency department with a fever while influenza-like illnesses are on the rise in the local area. This was only a drill.
The successful drill brought together health care clinicians, security officers, administrators, and communications staff working together in the unified command center to respond to this scenario.
“Loma Linda University Health continues to closely track developments and recommendations regarding Ebola from the Centers for Disease Control as well as the California Department of Public Health, and we have established a response plan, with hospital epidemiology taking the leader, that ensures the safety of our patients, staff, and community,” says Brett McPherson, director of environmental health and safety for Loma Linda University Health.
To date, neither Loma Linda University Health, the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, or the state of California has seen a case of Ebola virus disease.
However, Loma Linda University Health is screening all its patients with questions regarding travel history and symptoms.
Educational materials about Ebola are available on the OWL portal for Loma Linda University Health employees.