# 2156
Self confidence is a wonderful thing, and just about essential in the medical field. And optimism comes in handy as well.
After all, who wants a pessimistic doctor plagued with feelings of inferiority?
Still, realism should enter into the picture at some point. That is why paramedics don't step in and do brain surgery.
Today we have a story brimming with self-confidence and optimism, yet somewhat lacking in realism.
We have a hospital that (purportedly) believes that all that stands in their way from being fully prepared for `anything', including an avian flu pandemic, is completion of today's 4 hour drill.
After today . . . they'll be ready.
First the story from Connecticut's Channel 3 News, and then some discussion.
Hospital Ready If Avian Flu Pandemic Comes
Drill Slated To Test Crews Saturday
POSTED: 1:33 pm EDT July 18, 2008
BRISTOL, Conn. -- Bristol Hospital is ready for the hundreds of people who will fill its rooms if there is an avian flu breakout, officials said.
"The probability is high that it's going to come,” said pulmonary specialist Michael Ptaszynski. "The problem is we don't know when it's going to come - we don't know what it's going to look like."
Doctors, nurses and emergency crews said they’ve seen the warning signs. That's why they said they’re conduct a four-hour drill Saturday in which they’ll act as if a disaster has struck.
"That's pretty much what this scenario is,” said Laura Nagle, emergency management coordinator. “What do you do in extreme situations?"
"If you can prepare properly for the event, you optimize the chances of you, yourself, surviving and also planning the responsible role in having your community survive," said Ptaszynski.
Avian flu is like the regular flu, he said, only a lot more dangerous. The symptoms are the same, but if detected too late, he said, hundreds of people can be exposed, and an outbreak can happen fast.
That's why doctors aren't only performing this drill, he said, they're also telling people to take the usual precautions.
"This is where it's important for people to get the regular flu immunization,” said Ptaszynski. “Most of the usual flu immunizations are quite effective in protecting you."
After the training, the medical professionals said they’ll be ready for anything that comes their way.
Talk about tempting fate.
I'm going to gloss over the rather simplistic description of a pandemic (hundreds of people exposed?), and the good (but slightly deceptive) advice about getting a regular flu shot. Seasonal flu vax isn't expected to be protective against a novel flu strain, but is still a good idea.
It is the assumption that this hospital will be `ready for anything' that concerns me.
Bristol Hospital is a 134 bed facility, and a fine one I'm sure. I'm glad to see them drilling for a pandemic (and wish we had more details). They obviously view a pandemic as a genuine threat, and should be congratulated for taking a proactive stance.
But will holding this drill really make them ready for a pandemic?
If they've solved the problems of employee absenteeism during a pandemic, the need to handle a 300% or 400% census at a time when staff may be reduced by 50%, their need for enhanced security during a prolonged crisis, and of course the problem of ensuring a continual supply of PPE's and other essential supplies, along with solving a hundred other problems . . . then please, tell the rest of the world how.
I'm sure that Bristol hospital will be better prepared after today's drill.
But ready for anything?
That's a pretty big claim.
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