ronald.m.bilow@uth.tmc.edu

1) Understand the difference between standard imaging department operations and during a disaster situation. 2) Obtain a basic understanding of disaster response planning considerations specific to radiology services.

In the face of disaster, imaging services remains an important component of emergent patient care. It is sometimes, erroneously, assumed that radiology departments, particular level one trauma centers, will handle the patient surge by simply performing their normal work at decreased throughput time. This is not only impossible, but many of the 'normal' steps in registering patients, entering examination requests and myriad other steps in the chain of events leading from patient needs to final results will be altered. Additionally, the traditional key players in providing services under disaster conditions make many false assumptions regarding how radiology departments can or are able to operate. This presentation will highlight some of the concepts one must consider in developing a viable disaster preparedness and response plan, as well as how to gain acceptance by other institutional services at the planning level.