For this activity, you will prepare a reflection paper. Reflect on the concepts you have learned during your readings pertaining to the Hospital Incident Command System (HICS). There are many times that the hospital will be involved in an emergency situation, either internally or externally, requiring the establishment of a HICS (e.g., during a pandemic or an active shooter/threat situation). In preparation for your reflection paper, consider the questions below.
- What are some of the necessary steps that would need to be taken regarding the establishment of HICS and triaging any incoming patients to your hospital?
- How would you communicate with local agencies that are willing to assist you during times of extreme circumstances during an active shooter/threat situation with multiple victims being transported to your location?
- What do you understand completely?
- What did not quite make sense?
You are not required to answer these questions in your paper, but think about them while formulating your responses to the prompts below. The purpose of this assignment is to provide you with the opportunity to reflect on the material you have read and to expand on it. If you are unclear about a concept, either review it in the eTextbook, or ask your professor. This is not a summary but, rather, a reflection paper is an opportunity for you to express your thoughts about the material you are studying by writing about it. Reflection writing is a great way to study because it gives you a chance to process what you have learned and increases your ability to remember it. Use the guidelines below as you reflect on the course material and respond to the following questions in your paper.
- What are your thoughts about the main topics pertaining to HICS?
- Why are these topics or concepts important in the emergency services management field?
- Can you apply them to a personal life situation that you may have been involved in when responding to an emergency, working with hospitals, or working with other agencies? How?
Your reflection paper should be at least two pages in length. Use your own words, and include citations and references for other articles as needed to avoid plagiarism. Adhere to APA Style when constructing this assignment, including in-text citations and references for all sources that are used. Please note that no abstract is needed.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The Hospital Incident Command System (HICS) is a vital tool for emergency service management in hospitals. In this reflection paper, I will discuss my thoughts about the main topics pertaining to HICS, why they are important in the emergency services management field, and how they can be applied to personal life situations.
What are your thoughts about the main topics pertaining to HICS?
The main topics pertaining to HICS include the establishment of HICS, triaging incoming patients, communicating with local agencies, and managing resources during an emergency. I believe that these topics are crucial for hospitals to understand in order to effectively respond to emergency situations. Without a proper HICS system in place, hospitals can face chaos and confusion during an emergency which can lead to poor patient outcomes.
Why are these topics or concepts important in the emergency services management field?
The HICS system is important in the emergency services management field because it provides a standardized process for hospitals to respond to emergencies. Clear communication, resource management, and coordinated efforts are essential in saving lives during an emergency. The HICS system ensures that hospitals have a plan in place to provide efficient care to patients and to manage the influx of patients during an emergency.
Can you apply them to a personal life situation that you may have been involved in when responding to an emergency, working with hospitals, or working with other agencies? How?
I have not been personally involved in an emergency situation where the HICS system was utilized. However, as a medical professional, I understand the importance of having a standardized system in place to respond to emergencies. In my personal life, I have taken CPR and first aid courses, which have equipped me with the knowledge to respond to emergency situations. The concepts learned in the HICS system, such as triaging patients and managing resources, can also be applied to personal life situations. For example, triaging and prioritizing injuries during a car accident or properly allocating resources during a natural disaster.
Conclusion:
Reflecting on the main topics pertaining to HICS has reinforced the importance of having a standardized system in place for emergency services management. The concepts discussed are not only relevant to hospitals but can also be applied to personal life situations. As a medical professional, I will continue to expand my knowledge on the HICS system to effectively respond to emergency situations and provide quality care to patients.
