Thornton Manor conducts full-scale emergency exercise ...

Thornton Manor Nursing Center in Lansing, along with the Lansing Fire Department, Lansing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Allamakee County Emergency Management conducted an Emergency Preparedness Exercise for the facility Wednesday, October 11. The basis of the exercise was to test the readiness of the nursing facility as well as the fire department and EMS personnel in the event of a disaster. Thornton Manor chose to conduct a fire emergency during Fire Prevention Week in which they simulated a fire and evacuation of residents along with victims with injuries. Thornton Manor conducts monthly fire drills. This exercise allowed the facility to take the drill to another level by having fire personnel help aid in the evacuation along with their plan to fight a fire within the building.  Lansing EMS was also able to plan what steps they would take with multiple injuries in the event of a larger disaster.

The training is part of a larger directive from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service’s (CMS) Emergency Preparedness Rule set to go into effect November 17 of this year. The rule establishes consistent emergency preparedness requirements for healthcare providers participating in Medicare and Medicaid, increases patient safety during emergencies, and establishes a more coordinated response to natural and human-caused disasters.  Thornton Manor’s preparedness includes plans in the event of fire, snow, blizzard conditions, missing persons and hazardous spills, to name a few. To be better prepared in an emergency, Thornton Manor will conduct at least one full scale exercise each year. Submitted photo.