The Role of Infection Prevention in the Aftermath of Super Storm Sandy

Faith Skeete, MS RN CICMarch 20, 2013

Disclosures

• No disclosures

• No conflict of interest

The Event

• Loss of power/generator

• Emergency evacuation

• Extensive water and wind damage

• NYUHJD remained open on generator power

• Offsite areas remained closed

Immediate Response

• Assessment of damage– Supplies– Equipment– HVAC– Potable water

• Worker safety– Protective clothing/shoes– Fit testing– Education

Immediate Response: Supplies

Immediate Response: Supplies

Immediate Response: Supplies

Immediate Response: Equipment

• Facilities Engineering Protocols– HVAC system location

• Replacement if in flooded areas

• Inspection, disinfection and cleaning in other areas

– Air sampling– Potable water sampling for Legionella and

coliforms

Immediate Response: HVAC & Water

Intermediate Response

• Preparation for Reopening

• Water safety

• Cleaning

• Checklists

• DOH inspections

• Pressurization differential checks

Ongoing Response

• Microbiology

• Syndrome surveillance secondary to inflammation

• Unusual diagnoses

• Staff surveillance

• Staff support

Lessons Learned

• Communication– Intra departmental

– Inter departmental

• IPC Department disaster plan

Infection Prevention and Control Department

• Steven Bock RN, IPC practitioner • Tania Bubb RN, IPC practitioner • Donald Chen MD, associate hospital epidemiologist, ASP medical

director• Ranekka Dean RN, IPC practitioner • Sandra Hardy RN, IPC practitioner • Alycia Foti, IPC project assistant• Jennifer Lighter MD, pediatric hospital epidemiologist• Michael Phillips MD, hospital epidemiologist, IPC & EHS medical

director• Gabi Pinto, IPC data assistant • Alex Rowan-Hazelrigg RN, IPC practitioner • Faith Skeete RN, IPC practitioner • Anna Stachel MPH, IPC data analyst • Delia Valentin, administrative assistant

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References

Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “Remediation and Infection Control Considerations for Reopening Healthcare Facilities Closed due to Extensive Wind and Water Damage” Fact Sheet, May 24, 2007

Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “Check List for Infection Control Concerns when Reopening Healthcare Facilities Closed due to Extensive Water and Wind Damage” Fact Sheet, April 12, 2005