YKHC maintains its Joint Commission hospital accreditation by ensuring all departments stay in compliance with its Environment of Care (EOC). The Environment of Care is made up of three basic elements:
- Buildings or space, including how it is arranged and special features that protect patients, staff and visitors alike
- Equipment used to support patient care or to safely operate the space/building
- People who work within the hospital, patients and anyone who enters the environment, all of whom have a role in minimizing risks
Every hospital faces risks in its environment, including those associated with safety and security, fire, hazardous materials and waste, medical equipment, and utility systems.
Here are some things to check to manage risks in your environment of care:
- Wear your staff ID badges at all times.
2. All ceiling tiles are clean and not stained
3. Storage areas: heavier items stored waist level, lightest objects on higher shelves, liquid containers below eye level.
4. Compressed gas cylinders secured in cart. Empty and full stored separated or identified clearly.
5. All storage at least 18” below the sprinkler heads and smoke detectors.
6. All fire alarm pull stations; fire extinguishers and fire exits are accessible. Do not block!
7. Excess paper and combustibles properly stored to prevent fire risk.
8. Know the location of the nearest fire pull station (fire alarm) and fire extinguishers.
9. Fire extinguisher monthly inspection is current, with date
10. What is Code Red? What do you do?
Answers: Fire or Smoke. Horizontal evacuation.
11. What ZONE/ AREA are you in now? (Area A, Area B, Area C, Area D, etc.) Exit where?
12. What is R.A.C.E? What is P.A.S.S?
Answers: RACE = Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Evacuate
PASS = Pull pin, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
Look for this information on your ID badge.
13. Where or how do you submit Quantros?
Answer: On the YKHC webpage, under Incident Reporting Resources
14. Where or who do you call for worker injury?
Answer: Medcor at 800-553-8041
