Virginia Tech disaster response shows value of regular drills and planning.

The response to the recent shooting tragedy in Virginia shows that key components of a disaster plan, when well designed and regularly practiced, can help staff swing into action and follow the plan with as few glitches as possible. It also points out the critical nature of accurate and uninterrupted communications. A color-coded triage process in the field can help avoid logjams in the ED. Having a triage nurse at the ED entrance to double-check patients will further ensure appropriate care. Have a well-defined "telephone tree" in place to ensure adequate staff when disaster strikes. Make sure your plan accounts for the loss of traditional sources of communication, such as cell phones.