How often should fire drills be conducted in healthcare facilities?

Conducting fire drills at least twice a year in healthcare facilities is essential for ensuring the safety of staff, patients, and visitors. This frequency is recommended to maintain readiness for emergency situations, as it allows personnel to practice and become familiar with evacuation procedures and emergency protocols.

In a healthcare setting, where the presence of vulnerable individuals, such as patients with limited mobility or those under critical care, is common, regular fire drills help to identify and address potential weaknesses in the emergency response plan. Practicing these drills semi-annually reinforces staff training and ensures that everyone knows their roles and responsibilities during an actual emergency.

Too infrequent drills may lead to complacency, where staff may forget procedures or fail to respond properly during an actual emergency. On the other hand, conducting drills every month might not be practical for all healthcare facilities, as it can disrupt normal operations and place additional strain on staff resources. Thus, a policy of at least twice a year strikes a balance between effective preparation and operational efficiency.