CUTTACK: The Fire Services department is keen to start training doctors, paramedics and other staff of the SCB Medical College and Hospital in disaster preparedness and management, particularly during fire mishaps, to prevent AMRI-like situation in the largest medical institution of the State. The department, which had carried out a fire safety audit in the hospital in December last year, has submitted a comprehensive report to the Health and Family Welfare department listing the requirements and the measures to be taken with immediate effect. The hospital has to comply with the recommendations of the Fire Services department within a month.“We expect upgradation of the existing mechanisms and installation of basic fire-fighting equipment and alarm systems in the vital wings of the hospital within the timeframe. As soon as that is done, we will be carrying out fire drills and training the personnel in prevention and handling of emergency situations”, Chief Fire Officer, Orissa, Sukanta Sethi said. The SCBMCH seriously lacks in fire prevention and fighting capabilities. The systems at hand are limited to some basic fire extinguishers and first aid boxes. The fire services wing has made exhaustive recommendations by categorizing the different units and departments of the hospital on the structural, patient load and critical systems basis.For the multi-storied complexes like the Medicine department, Gynaecology, Orthopaedics, Surgery, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Trauma Care Centre, it has recommended immediate installation of wet risers, dry risers, hoses and water pumping systems. Hydrants should be installed at identified spots for ensuring easy access to water sources anywhere on the campus. The report has pointed out serious lacunae in the critical facilities like the ICUs and air-conditioned wards. There are no fire or smoke detection equipment nor are there any alarms. In the AMRI incident, the bulk of the deaths were due to asphyxiation and only three succumbed to burn injuries. Steps should thus be taken to detect smoke at the earliest, the report recommended.It has also asked for posting display boards in front of each and every department, ward or structure with a detailed layout map on the entry and exit points, staircases, number of rooms, etc. This would help the fire personnel to undertake fire-fighting measure more effectively when the situation arises. As the compliance is reported, the Fire Services experts will undertake the drills and training, wherein all staff of the hospital will be made aware of disaster management. They would be trained in evacuation of patients, both mobile and ambulant, in times of emergencies. They would also be trained in basic firefighting skills so as to be able to do their bit in containing the spread before the Fire Services personnel arrive and take over, Sethi said. The Health department has directed the Superintendent of SCBMCH to take immediate steps for implementation of the recommendations of the Chief Fire Officer. An action taken report should also be submitted to both the Fire and Health departments within the stipulated timeframe.
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