General coordination instructions

The lines of command and authority of the hospital's general organization will be maintained. The plan will initially be put into effect for a period of 24 hours. If the emergency continues it should remain in effect for a longer period. This being the case, the head of the administrative unit should develop plans for maintaining a 72-hour supply of drugs, surgical material, food, and other items currently used in nursing.

The staff will be advised that the plan is in effect by means of an announcement transmitted through the public address system or other available means.

The telephone switchboard will have an updated list of all hospital personnel, with addresses and telephones.

Valuables and other personal effects should be placed in stamped and sealed envelopes and forwarded to the main cashier in the financial section. The nurse assigned to "emergency unit valuables" will be in charge of collecting such objects.