Unfortunately we must again cancel the Quarterly Triage Day (QTD)
that had been scheduled for this weekend (December 4th and 5th). Current hospital capacity issues and the extent of ED “boarding” throughout our region and in much of the state, preclude an effective drill. Many hospitals and ICUs are
at or over capacity.
The multiple groups (the different Communications Committees for GDAHA, GMVEMSC, and GMCFCA; the MMRS Planning Committee; the regional Healthcare Coalition; and others) who are involved with
QTD planning all continue to believe in the value of QTDs as a component of MCI and disaster preparedness for our region. However, when people are overextended and too stressed to learn, the QTD becomes detrimental instead of beneficial. If there were a
major EMS incident during a QTD, we would cancel immediately. We must do the same now; our hospitals are coping with a disaster situation – in fact, several hospitals are in Code Yellow (internal disaster status) as we speak.
This was a difficult decision to make. Prior to canceling, we discussed multiple options:
-
Hold QTD as planned
-
Hold a modified QTD
-
Cancel QTD
In the end, it was determined that we must cancel. We extend our sincere apologies for the short notice and for any inconvenience this may cause.
We ask that EMS Coordinators post information about QTD cancelation in every EMS Room. Hospitals and EMS agencies: please do what you can to make certain that all personnel are notified.
We will also send a Regional Hospital Notification System message about the cancelation. We will advise as soon as the QTD can be rescheduled.
David N. Gerstner
MMRS/RMRS/EP Coordinator
Department of Fire I City of Dayton
300 N. Main St. I Dayton, Ohio 45402
Office
937.333.4551 I Fax 937.333.4561 I www.daytonohio.gov
24/7 Pager: 937-227-8705 or E-mail
9372278705@archwireless.net
Cell 937.776.4410