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The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations requires that all hospitals routinely conduct disaster drills. Emergency physicians are likely to be involved with hospital disaster planning. This presentation described the various types of drills, how to best plan and execute a drill, and most importantly, how to evaluate such exercises. Methods: There are several potential formats for disaster drills such as phone drills, table-top exercises, and field operation. Each of these activities offers a different experience as well as variable time, physical space, and personnel requirements. The use of medical students as moulaged victims provides both an educational medical school experience and a valuable source for feedback on the effectiveness of the drill. Results: The key features of an annual, citywide disaster drill involving four hospitals was delineated. Conclusions: Experience has shown that effective disaster response is dependent on comprehensive planning. This presentation discussed drill type, design, and content, and evaluation, addressed the lack of information currently available on how to develop a hospital disaster drill.

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