Hoboken University Medical Center launched into its disaster plan as soon as word was out about the train crash, according to an article on the Modern Healthcare website.
The crash killed one and injured more than 100 people. Less than a mile away from the train station, Hoboken University Medical Center called a “code triage external,” meaning a major disaster has occurred outside the facility.
The staff opened an incident command center and mobilized emergency medical services to the crash site. They made sure gauze, crutches, wheelchairs and other supplies were at the ready. Beds were counted, and staff moved patients with minor injuries to open up more.
The Hoboken University Medical Center constantly prepares for disasters like the train crash. The staff runs drills for emergency preparedness once a month for situations ranging from mass casualties to active shooters to electricity issues. Because of the medical center's proximity to train stations and tunnels, it has conducted several drills specific to train derailments.
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