Drill Tests PRCS’ Field Hospital Readiness Levels

(Al Bireh – 3/10/2012): PRCS concluded today a drill to test the readiness of its field hospital. The drill took place at Al Bireh Al Jadideh schoolyard with the participation of around 40 volunteers from the West Bank.

During the drill, volunteers examined the supplies of the 100-bed field hospital stored at the Society’s warehouse in Al Bireh, checking expiry dates and practicing the use of the hospital’s medical equipment. They also cleaned the site of the drill –located behind Al Bireh Al Jadideh School-, connected the site to water and electricity networks, then erected five tents in which they installed equipment for the external clinic, the hospital laboratory, the X-ray room, operating rooms and the Intensive Care Unit.

PRCS President Dr. Younis Al Khatib supervised the 3-day drill together with Dr. Khaled Joudeh, PRCS Director General, and Mr. Rabah Jaber, PRCS Head of Operations. Dr. Al Khatib lauded efforts made by PRCS volunteers and highlighted their skills and capacities.

During the second day of the drill, a team comprising doctors, anesthetists and radiologists from PRCS’ Al Bireh hospital visited the site and checked the readiness levels of laboratories, X-ray rooms, operating rooms and medical equipment.

Mr. Bashir Ahmad, Director of PRCS’ Disaster Management Unit in the West Bank, said the drill aimed at testing the readiness of the hospital and was part of regular checks to ensure its readiness to operate in case of an emergency. “This drill is in line with the Society’s strategy aimed at enhancing the readiness of its teams and volunteers, as well as of Palestinians in general, to face any disaster in cooperation with governmental bodies and relevant Civil Society Organizations”, he added.