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THE GREAT BRITISH COLUMBIA SHAKE OUT
On October 18, at 10:18AM, the College will join millions of people worldwide to practice how to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” during ShakeOutBC.
With British Columbia considered at high risk for a potential big earthquake, it is important that British Columbians are prepared to survive and recover when one strikes. Participating in ShakeOutBC is a great way to better understand BC’s earthquake risk and how to prepare.
And, earthquakes are not the only potential hazard in BC. BC is also at risk of potential floods, tsunamis and wildfires. Patients and pharmacists in BC should be prepared and understand how to access medications and provide care during an emergency. Patients should be prepared and understand how to access medications, while pharmacists should know their responsibilities for providing care during an emergency.
Accessing Medications You May Need During an Emergency
ShakeOutBC is a great opportunity to think about how to access medications you may need during a state of emergency.
Medical records may be difficult to access during a disaster. If you rely on a prescription, talk to your primary health care provider or pharmacist about how to keep an extra supply or valid prescription in your emergency kit and grab and go bags.
If you have been displaced by an evacuation, you can also visit a pharmacy near you to access an emergency supply of medications you may need. The College’s Find a Pharmacy tool can help you locate a pharmacy in the community where you are staying.
Pharmacists Provide Continuity of Care for Patients During an Emergency
Professional Practice Policy 25 – Pharmacy Disaster Preparedness outlines what’s expected of pharmacists in providing continuity of care for patients during a state of emergency.
Pharmacists are required to use their professional judgement, thoroughly document any medications they provide and communicate with the patient’s prescriber as soon as possible.
PharmaNet also plays an important role in supporting continuity of care by allowing a pharmacist to review a patient’s prescriptions and medication history regardless of what pharmacy a patient typically uses.
Pharmacies Participate in Local Emergency Management Plans
In BC, local governments lead the initial response to emergencies and disasters in their communities.
Pharmacy managers need to be aware of and participate in local emergency plans, and should also develop more detailed individual disaster plans for their own pharmacies (beyond the regional plans).
ShakeOutBC is an important reminder to check in with the Emergency Program Coordinator for their community to ensure they are aware of and participate in local plans.
Learn more about Local Authority Emergency Management Programs in BC.
For more information on what to do during a state of emergency, visit:
Bcpharmacists.org/emergency
QUESTIONS
For questions related to providing continuity of care for patients during a state of emergency, contact the College’s practice support at [email protected].
Pharmacists and patients can also contact the First Nations Health Authority at 1-800-317-7878 to verify patient identification information and for NIHB billing purposes.
RESOURCES
Emergency Info BC
Emergency Info BC is the Provinces hub for disaster information. Visit their website and follow them on Twitter for the latest active provincial emergency information.
Emergency Preparedness
- PreparedBC (www.gov.bc.ca/PreparedBC) Prepare Your Home
- Apartment and Condo Preparedness
- In It Together: Neighbourhood Preparedness
- Preparedness for People with Disabilities
- Local Authority Emergency Management Programs
Resources for First Nations and Aboriginal Peoples
- First Nations Health Authority – Health Emergency Management
- Indigenous Service Canada – Emergency Management
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