Mock drill for COVID preparedness conducted at SKIMS

SRINAGAR, APRIL 10 – Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences today conducted a Covid-19 mock drill to test all the resources. The drill was mainly aimed to have better preparations with regard to required resources for COVID management and address deficiencies in advance.

Medical Superintendent SKIMS Dr. Farooq A Jan informed that dummy patients were arranged for the drill and the Disaster Ward with 24 beds with all facilities was used for the drill. Consultants and Resident staff from General Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, and Nursing / Paramedic staff were present.

Administrative Incharge emergency, Resident Medical officer emergency and Residents from the Department of Hospital Administration coordinated the drill. The drill was conducted right from the admission of the patient to the final discharge/death of the patient. Besides, all the resources including manpower, equipment’s such as Ventilators, Monitors, High Flow Devices, and Infusion Pumps were put to test. Availability of drugs like; I. V. Fluids, Antibiotics, Steroids, Antiviral, Electrolytes, Life-saving drugs were also put to test.

Availability was found up to the mark. All the Oxygen Ports were used simultaneously and there was no drop in Oxygen pressure. The functioning of UPS backup was also tested. However, for more effective and smooth functioning availability of Portable ECG Machine, Portable X-Ray Machine and USG Machines need to be addressed on priority.

Also, Syringe Infusion Pumps need to be arranged and for NIV there is a need of bulk stock of NIV masks of different sizes at the Sales Counter. Disposable ventilator tubing’s in bulk stock and HFNC accessories also need to be kept available in bulk stock.