Emergency Preparedness for Hospitals: Beyond IT Continuity
- CrisisWire
- Sep 29
- 2 min read
In 2024, a hurricane shut down a coastal hospital’s power for three days. Backup generators failed, medical gases ran short, and staff were forced to triage patients in dark hallways.
The problem? The hospital had a continuity plan for IT systems — but not for real-world emergencies that hit staffing, infrastructure, and patient care.
In 2025, true hospital preparedness means looking beyond data recovery. It means building resilience across every life-sustaining system.
The Problem: Why This Issue Exists
Too many hospitals focus only on cyber/IT continuity while neglecting physical and operational systems.
Backup generators often go untested.
Supply chain risks (medications, oxygen, PPE) are overlooked.
Staff readiness is underfunded and untrained for multi-day crises.
This tunnel vision leaves hospitals dangerously exposed to natural disasters, civil unrest, pandemics, and prolonged power failures.
(Related read: Ransomware in Healthcare: How Lives Depend on Cybersecurity)
Case Studies / Real-World Evidence
Katrina, 2005: Hospitals flooded, power failed, staff stranded — hundreds of patients died waiting for evacuation.
COVID-19 Pandemic: Lack of PPE and ventilator planning showed how fragile hospital supply chains were.
Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico (2017): Weeks-long power outages crippled
healthcare delivery.
For official frameworks, see FEMA Hospital Preparedness Program.
Actionable Fixes (The Playbook)
1. Test and Harden Backup Systems
Generators, medical gases, and HVAC must be tested under load conditions.
2. Build Multi-Day Staffing Plans
Staff rotations, sleep areas, and mental health support must be included.
3. Secure Critical Supply Chains
Stockpiles of oxygen, PPE, medications, and food must be verified quarterly.
4. Run Multi-Threat Drills
Include natural disasters, cyber + physical convergence, and civil unrest scenarios.
For playbooks and continuity checklists, see The Threat Assessment Handbook.
Leadership Responsibility
Preparedness isn’t an IT function — it’s a board-level obligation.
Executives must integrate physical, cyber, and staffing continuity.
Boards must demand proof of readiness.
Insurers now factor emergency preparedness into liability and coverage.
As detailed in The Prepared Leader, leaders who test and plan for the worst strengthen trust and resilience.
Follow more CrisisWire strategies on LinkedIn.
📧 Contact us at crisiswire@proton.me for tailored threat assessments, continuity planning, and site security solutions.
Follow CrisisWire:
👉 Explore more insights on the CrisisWire Blog.
Comments