In advance of National Preparedness Month staff at St. Luke Health Services, St. Francis Commons and Bishop’s Commons took part in emergency and safety training. Professionals from Jensen Hughes factilitated the training.

Fire and Safety Training on St Luke Campus 8 22The instructional curriculum for staff consisted of fire suppression and evacuation techniques, effective disaster response and a review of procedures for addressing potential emergencies, like loss of power. Some of the exercises conducted were “hands-on” drills for staff, including fire suppression, bed evacuations and building evacuations.

"The safety of our residents and staff is our most important priority at each residence on our healthcare campus," said Greg Osetek, Director of Community Relations. "Our staff emergency preparedness training includes situations that we hope never to encounter, but for which we practice and prepare for on a regular basis. Ultimately, we believe our residents and their families appreciate our diligence as an organization in working to ensure our staff are prepared for emergency situations.”

The training is just one component of staff education and exercises that takes place year-round as part of the health care providers’ effort to maintain a safe environment and prepare for any adverse circumstance or emergency.

In mid-September, St. Luke affiliates along with other area healthcare providers will take part in a regional mutual aid disaster exercise designed to engage resources from across Central New York in the event a large-scale evacuation is ever required. The exercise is one of many that take place throughout the year.