CHNC Educational Series: Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Management for NICUs

The objectives of this series include:

1. Identify  emergencies that could impact NICU operations (e.g., natural disasters, power outages, pandemics, fires, active shooter situations) and how they affect neonatal patients, considering their unique vulnerabilities.
2. Outline the critical elements of a NICU-specific emergency preparedness plan, including roles of staff during emergencies and the relationship between NICU and  hospital and regional plans.
3. Review best practices in NICU emergency preparedness and transport of critically ill neonates during a unit-wide emergency.
4. Develop plans for family inclusion, family-centeredness, support, and communication during crises.
5. Explore business continuity plans to ensure uninterrupted care for neonates during prolonged disruptions.