Disaster surge fails to fluster ED staff.

Advance preparation can make a big difference in how your department responds to emergencies, as demonstrated by the ED at Caritas Norwood (MA) Hospital in the wake of a recent train wreck. Here are some actions taken in advance that help facilitate a successful response: Their disaster plan included the immediate availability of nurses who were working on other floors. A day surgery area had been designated to handle patient overflow and provided 20 additional beds. A designated conference room for family members helped make them comfortable while keeping them out of the hectic ED area.