Emirates Health Services Conducts Specialized Training on Hospital Incident Command System for Emergency Management

Healthcare

Emirates Health Services Conducts Specialized Training on Hospital Incident Command System for Emergency Management

Emirates Health Services (EHS), in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), represented by Al Dhafra Hospitals, has organized a specialized training program on the Hospital Incident Command System (HICS) to enhance the emergency management capabilities of healthcare facilities. The training, held at the EHS Training and Development Center, focused on equipping medical and administrative teams with globally recognized HICS protocols to ensure effective crisis response and preparedness.

Dr. Wedad AlMaidoor AlMheiri, Director of the Emergency Operations Center at EHS, stated, “This training marks a significant step in strengthening the UAE's healthcare system's ability to respond to crises with agility and professionalism. It is a cornerstone of our strategy to enhance institutional readiness and ensure the provision of high-quality, resilient health services.”

Key Objectives and Focus Areas

Standardized Incident Management: The program emphasized the standardization of emergency response procedures, clarifying roles and responsibilities in alignment with the national incident management system.
Leadership Development: Aimed at fostering decision-making skills and enhancing coordination among healthcare departments to ensure timely and effective responses.
Technological Integration: Activation of the "Ghayath" interactive emergency management system, designed to streamline communication and improve rapid response capabilities during crises.
Resource Optimization: Training on efficient resource utilization to ensure business continuity and recovery with minimal disruptions.

Strengthening Collaboration and Resilience

Dr. AlMaidoor praised the partnership with SEHA and Al Dhafra Hospitals, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving common goals. She noted that such initiatives enhance integration across the UAE’s health sectors, contributing to a unified approach to crisis management.

The HICS framework, adapted from the globally recognized Incident Command System (ICS), offers hospitals structured solutions to improve crisis planning, response, and recovery while maintaining the continuity of health services. The training addresses challenges ranging from natural disasters to cyberattacks, ensuring hospitals are equipped to handle diverse emergencies.

Expected Outcomes

The program is expected to:

Empower leaders across all levels to make informed decisions during crises.
Enhance coordination among health facility departments.
Protect lives and ensure the sustainability of vital health services.
Build a resilient healthcare system that prioritizes safety and operational excellence.

Commitment to a Future-Ready Healthcare System

Through this initiative, EHS reaffirms its dedication to establishing the UAE as a global model for emergency and crisis management. The program not only strengthens the country's healthcare infrastructure but also underscores its commitment to fostering a safe, resilient, and efficient health sector capable of addressing local and global challenges.