The California Wildfire of 2018 called the “Camp Fire” was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California’s history and the most expensive natural disaster in the world in 2018 in terms of insured losses. Named after Camp Creek Road, its place of origin, the fire started on Thursday, November 8, 2018, in Northern California’s Butte County. Ignited by a faulty electric transmission line, the fire originated above several communities and an east wind drove the fire downhill through developed areas. The fire caused at least 85 civilian fatalities, with one person still missing as of August 2, 2019, and injured 12 civilians, two prison inmate firefighters, and three other firefighters. It covered an area of 153,336 acres, and destroyed 18,804 structures, with most of the destruction occurring within the first four hours.
Adventist Health Feather River, also known as Feather River Hospital, is a 101-bed acute care hospital located in the town of Paradise, in Butte County, California, with a wide array of outpatient departments and services designed to meet the health care needs of Paradise, Magalia, and neighboring communities. Feather River Hospital was severely damaged in the November 2018 Camp Fire and is currently closed. The hospital was forced to evacuate after the fire jumped a road going to the hospital. Some people were trapped under Adventist Health Feather River in a tunnel until they could escape. Employees at Adventist Health Feather River evacuated 60 patients the morning of November 8, 2018. The patients were transported in ambulances, by helicopter, and in employee vehicles.
Your assignment: In a MEMO format, in 800-1000 words, please discuss the following about the Camp Fire 2018 Disaster Response:
Brief synopsis of the CampFire
What went well with the response(i.e. Always discuss the response from the healthcare standpoint in addition to the factors you mentioned, It is critical to include specific actions after the campfire, . ?
What were the significant challenges with the response?
In which ways could the response have been improved (Consider what actions were taken to respond and how could those actions be improved. A concept such as mental health would not apply. ,?
As the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Adventist Health Feather River Hospital, how would you augment your healthcare facility’s disaster preparedness (focused on enhancing which is a part of the assignment but you need to discuss augmenting preparedness first.)?