◆Kochi University School of Medicine Conducted a Comprehensive Disaster Preparedness Drill
Release Date:
On Friday, December 5, 2025, the Kochi University School of Medicine conducted a comprehensive disaster response drill.
This drill simulated a scenario in which a "Nankai Trough mega-earthquake" occurred on a weekday afternoon while many patients were in the hospital. As an initial response drill covering the first hour after the disaster, students were assigned to key sections within the hospital to play the roles of patients and family members, and initial response procedures were carried out.Additionally, during the headquarters drill, the Disaster Response Headquarters, Disaster Medical Headquarters, Student Disaster Response Office, and Volunteer Center were established following the simulated disaster. This allowed us to verify the time required for setup and the coordination and response among the various teams and headquarters staff.
Following the field exercise, DMAT team members conducted debriefings in each section, and information regarding areas for improvement was shared during the overall debriefing session.
[Training Overview]
〇Main Training Sections
(General Reception, Outpatient Departments, Selected Wards, Surgical Department, Diagnostic Imaging Department, Radiology Department, Black Zone)
Patient and family role-players will be deployed to verify initial response procedures, including ensuring patient safety, making clinical decisions, and guiding patients to temporary evacuation sites. However, training for the Black Zone will be conducted as a follow-up exercise after the initial response.
〇Headquarters Drill
(Disaster Response Headquarters, Disaster Medical Headquarters, Student Disaster Response Office, Volunteer Center)
After the disaster announcement, participants assemble, set up operations, and conduct team-building exercises. Using an electronic whiteboard, they consolidate damage reports, coordinate the transport of supplies to requested sections, and request the dispatch of volunteer personnel.
Going forward, to ensure our hospital remains resilient in the face of disasters, we will continue to conduct drills while refining our procedures, and we are committed to strengthening our capabilities to admit patients promptly through swift and appropriate responses in the event of a disaster.
