In a proactive effort to enhance disaster preparedness, a collaborative team from Kaiser Vallejo’s Emergency Department (ED) identified critical gaps in readiness for mass casualty incidents (MCIs). The group, including Joey Driscoll, RN, Assistant Nurse Manager; Marly Luna, BSN, RN, Staff Nurse III; Krishna Chandra, ER Tech; and Leslee Curtola, Equipment Tech, initiated a project to build specialized disaster carts to ensure efficient triage and treatment during emergencies.
The project involved creating three zone-specific carts—Green (minor injuries), Yellow (stable but requiring timely care), and Red (critical patients needing immediate intervention)—alongside a triage disaster cart for immediate deployment. Each cart was designed to address the unique needs of patients based on acuity, streamlining care and optimizing the use of resources. The team collaborated with the disaster committee to finalize designs, secure approval, and determine optimal storage locations near the ED for quick accessibility.
Building the carts was a hands-on, meticulous process. Leslee procured the necessary components, and the team measured and organized shelves to accommodate specific supplies for each zone. The anteroom chosen for storage required significant decluttering, a task undertaken by the team to ensure readiness. Assembly of each cart took an average of eight hours, with careful attention to detail in stocking and organizing supplies.
The disaster carts are now fully assembled and ready for use, providing a robust system for MCI response. This nurse-led initiative highlights the critical role of collaboration in addressing gaps and improving emergency preparedness. The team’s efforts ensure that the ED is well-equipped to respond efficiently and effectively to crises, safeguarding the community and enhancing patient outcomes during MCIs.