Project Lead: Dr. Joseph Copeland

As a large community hospital in an earthquake zone, next to an international airport and major roads, disaster preparedness is critically important for Richmond Hospital.

The Richmond Emergency department and emergency physicians group (REPA) expect to be on the front lines of any mass casualty – but disaster preparedness requires both education and hands-on practice.

The MMU provided two days of education and simulation for Richmond [Hospital] Emergency staff at no cost. RHPS funding supported meeting costs and compensation to ensure maximum physician attendance and participation.

“We completed the second of our two disaster prep days today, with enthusiastic participation and lots of lessons for everyone,” reported Emergency Physician Dr. Joseph Copeland, the project’s Physician Lead. “Bookending the citywide YVR-crash simulations, I know the participants feel better prepared for the hazards we face every day.”