RESIDENT SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS

VCAL (06/01/04)

At a recent meeting on resident safety issues in the long term care setting, representatives of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), AHCA, NCAL, and other provider associations developed recommendations for improved response to fire and other emergencies.  Needs identified to improve resident safety were: (1) more cooperative training, (2) a movement toward announced fire drills focusing on education and away from unannounced fire drills, (3) collaborative efforts to gain funding to install sprinkler systems in facilities without them, (4) improved consistency in the interpretation of applicable codes by regulators, and (5) an educational campaign on the merits of defend in place procedures.  IAFC will present the recommendations to its board of directors, which will develop a report.