Managing emergencies in general practice

1 Managing emergencies in general practice A guide for preparation, response and recovery Updated June emergencies in general practice : A guide for preparation, response and recoveryDisclaimerThe information set out in this publication is current at the date of first publication and is intended for use as a guide of a general nature only and may or may not be relevant to particular patients or circumstances. Nor is this publication exhaustive of the subject matter. Persons implementing any recommendations contained in this publication must exercise their own independent skill or judgement or seek appropriate professional advice relevant to their own particular circumstances when so doing.

2 Compliance with any recommendations cannot of itself guarantee discharge of the duty of care owed to patients and others coming into contact with the health professional and the premises from which the health professional operates. Accordingly, The Royal Australian College of general Practitioners (RACGP) and its employees and agents shall have no liability (including without limitation liability by reason of negligence) to any users of the information contained in this publication for any loss or damage (consequential or otherwise)

3 , cost or expense incurred or arising by reason of any person using or relying on the information contained in this publication and whether caused by reason of any error, negligent act, omission or misrepresentation in the citationThe Royal Australian College of general Practitioners. Managing emergencies in general practice : A guide for preparation, response and recovery . East Melbourne, Vic: RACGP, Royal Australian College of general Practitioners 100 Wellington Parade East Melbourne, Victoria 3002 AustraliaTel 03 8699 0510 Fax 03 9696 7511 : 34 000 223 807 ISBN: 978-0-86906-352-1 First published June 2013 Updated June 2017 The Royal Australian College of general Practitioners 2017 This work is subject to copyright.

4 Unless permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced in any way without The Royal Australian College of general Practitioners prior written permission. Requests and enquiries should be sent to recognise the traditional custodians of the land and sea on which we work and emergencies in general practice A guide for preparation, response and recovery Updated June 2017vManaging emergencies in general practice :A guide for preparation, response and recoveryForewordThe Royal Australian College of general Practitioners (RACGP) is committed to supporting general practitioners (GPs) and practice teams in delivering quality care to Australian patients.

5 Recognising the vital role that GPs and general practice teams play in responding to emergencies , the RACGP has demonstrated its commitment to supporting its members by developing a range of resources relating to disaster, emergency and incident planning and RACGP was actively involved in supporting GPs and practices adversely affected by the floods in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales in 2010, 2011 and 2013; the Victorian, New South Wales and Tasmanian bushfires in 2009 and 2013; and the Sydney siege in 2014.

6 The aim of the guide is to assist general practices to better prepare for, respond to and recover from the impacts of emergencies . The guide has been designed as an educational resource for general practice staff during emergency preparation and response RACGP continues working with stakeholders including GPs, other general practice organisations, and state, territory and federal governments to coordinate the provision of clinically relevant health information and emergency management resources to support GPs and their would like to thank the people and organisations listed in the acknowledgements for their dedication and support.

7 We would particularly like to thank members of the project steering committee and RACGP staff for their efforts in contributing to the development of this is with great pride that we present Managing emergencies in general practice : A guide for preparation, response and Nathan PinskierChair RACGP eHealth and practice Systems CommitteeDr Bastian SiedelPresident RACGPviiManaging emergencies in general practice :A guide for preparation, response and recoveryContentsPart A Introduction to emergency planning in Australian general practice 11.

8 Disasters and emergencies in Australia 12. Importance of emergency planning in general practice Why general practices are critical to emergency responses The impact of emergencies on general practice The importance of planning 3 Part B Emergency planning and response 41. Pre-planning Appoint an emergency management coordinator/committee Undertake local and other research practice layout Emergency kit, equipment and supplies 62. Design and develop your plan Compile key contact information Maintaining communication channels in an emergency Planning for business continuity Planning for loss of utilities Insurance Infrastructure and contents protection 133.

9 practice and review your plan Provide staff education and training Test your plan Review, monitor and update your plan 144. Activate your plan Assess the situation and seek advice Respond and act Entering the practice after an emergency 15 Part C Mental health in emergencies 161. Psychological preparation for an emergency 162. Psychological support and mental health care Level 1 Early response: information and support Level 2 Simple psychological strategies Level 3 Formal mental health interventions 193.

10 Self-care for GPs and practice staff 19viiiManaging emergencies in general practice :A guide for preparation, response and recoveryReferences 21 Appendix 1 Roles and responsibilities 22 National arrangements, organisations and committees 22 National health emergency response arrangements 22 Australian Health Protection Principal Committee 22 Office of Health Protection 23 general practice Round Table 23 The Royal Australian College of general Practitioners 23 State and territory arrangements, organisations and committees 23 State and territory authorities responsible for emergency response per hazard 24 Local arrangements.