Who is responsible for developing an emergency plan in the event of medical air loss at a Category 2 facility?

In a Category 2 facility, it is the responsibility of the facility staff to develop an emergency plan for situations such as medical air loss. This is because facility staff are uniquely positioned to understand the infrastructure and operational systems of the facility, including medical gas systems, and can effectively coordinate responses to emergencies that may arise.

Facility staff typically include individuals who are involved in the management and maintenance of the physical environment where patient care takes place. They are trained to recognize hazards, develop contingency plans, and ensure that all necessary protocols are in place to maintain patient safety and care continuity during emergencies.

In contrast, while medical staff may be involved in patient care and may respond to emergencies, they do not have the specialized knowledge required to develop and oversee the operational emergency plans related to medical gases. Emergency services, which would respond to a crisis, rely on the existing plans that facility staff put in place. Administration oversees policies and resource allocation but would typically delegate the specifics of emergency planning to the facility staff who are directly engaged with the day-to-day operations. Therefore, the role of facility staff is crucial in creating a comprehensive and effective emergency response plan for scenarios like medical air loss.