Planning Ensures Safety & Readiness at Samaritan February 19, 2026 In September 2020, wildfires forced the evacuation of every patient and employee from Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital. Extensive planning and training helped make this unexpected event go smoothly. “Emergency preparedness is a critical aspect of ensuring the safety and well-being of our patients and staff,” said Michael Poundstone, manager of Samaritan Emergency Management. “Comprehensive planning and training activities prepare our employees for emergencies ranging from natural disasters to human-caused incidents.” Every year, Samaritan reevaluates its Hazard Vulnerability Assessment, which covers approximately 60 topics, including natural and human causes, utility failures and security issues. These topics are rated based on their probability and potential damage. Samaritan focuses and conducts drills on the top five identified hazards, although the top 10 are also considered. “Each Samaritan hospital conducts its own assessment, with specific focus areas based on their unique risks,” Poundstone said. “For instance, coastal facilities prioritize winter storms, earthquakes and tsunamis, while valley facilities focus on earthquakes, inclement weather, armed intruders and mass casualty incidents.” Training Training is a cornerstone of Samaritan’s preparedness efforts. A comprehensive training catalog with 75 courses is being developed for employees, with 30 courses already in place. These courses include tabletop exercises that provide in-depth training on various emergency scenarios. The training follows Federal Emergency Management Agency guidelines and is tailored to Samaritan’s specific needs. “Emergency plans are continuously exercised and adjusted as needed,” Poundstone said. “We’ve revamped evacuation plans to be more robust and detailed. Some drills now involve local public agencies such as police and fire to simulate real-life scenarios and to improve response strategies.” Collaboration Samaritan actively collaborates with local first responders on full-scale exercises such as the Great Oregon Shakeout, wildfire tabletop exercises and mass casualty incidents to enhance readiness and coordination “Emergency preparedness at Samaritan is a dynamic and ongoing process that involves thorough planning, regular training and active collaboration,” Poundstone said. “By focusing on the top hazards, continuously improving plans and providing comprehensive training, Samaritan ensures that it is well-prepared to handle any emergency that may arise.” Visit ready.gov for emergency preparedness tips to keep safe during a disaster. For a local focus, county websites offer a wealth of information, too.
