All California hospitals are encouraged to participate in a statewide survey of hospital emergency codes being conducted by California Hospital Association’s Hospital Preparedness Program and the Regional Associations. The brief survey will take no more than 15 minutes to complete. Access the survey now. The deadline to participate is Aug. 19.

Emergency codes alert providers and hospital employees to such important events as fires, active shooters, hazardous material spills and child abductions. In 2000, HASC’s Safety and Security Committee adopted a series of standardized codes and guidelines for California hospitals.

Periodic surveys of our members can reveal current trends that may be helpful when hospitals and health systems update their emergency codes. An update is projected within the next couple of months.

With 100 percent hospital participation, the survey can provide more complete data for all facilities to enhance their own safety, as well as the safety of patients and visitors. 

Survey results will be presented at a workshop following the Disaster Planning for Hospitals Conference September 19-20 in Sacramento. The workshop, Active Shooter — Steps to Mitigate Harm, will be held Sept. 21.