The need for mock major accidents

Abstract

In the United States of America, the authorities consider it necessary to enact mock accidents, and in the absence of a natural major accident or disaster, at least one mock accident per year must be staged by a hospital in order to retain its accreditation. In the United Kingdom mock accidents are not considered to be so necessary for the following reasons: they are expensive; although good practice is provided for ambulance staff, firemen, police and hospital administrative staff, mock accidents do not produce any intensity of medical problems because no one has been hurt; during a mock accident many members of the hospital staff are taken away from their normal duties, and genuine patients may suffer. Mock accidents well carried out and recorded are instructive, and films such as the one made in Nottingham entitled ‘Major Disaster A Planned Response’ should be seen and discussed by everyone concerned with major accidents and disasters. Regular discussion should be held about procedure amongst hospital staff and with the ambulance personnel and police. Much can be learned from the reports given about the many major accidents and disasters that have occurred in England and Ireland. In every accident and emergency unit the equipment should be checked and the staff briefed at regular intervals.