Patients & Visitors

Emergency Management

Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital has established a robust program to handle all types of emergency situations. This initiative is led by the Emergency Preparedness Committee, a diverse team of staff members collaborating with external partners. Their role is to ensure a safe environment by creating, training, and testing effective emergency response procedures.

What are Emergency Codes?

An emergency code is a notification of an event that requires immediate action. Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial uses standardized color codes, supported by the Ontario Hospital Association, to communicate these events. Staff, clinicians, and volunteers are trained to understand what each code means and how to respond appropriately to ensure a safe environment.

During your time at OSMH, you may hear overhead announcements or see staff responding to a code event. These codes are part of our comprehensive safety protocols. In the event of an emergency, it is important to remain calm and follow all instructions provided by staff.

By following these procedures, we can ensure the well-being of everyone in our facility. Your cooperation is key to maintaining a secure environment during any emergency. Together, we can navigate any situation with confidence and care.

Check out the list below for details on our emergency codes and general instructions.

Who should you contact in an emergency?

3333 is our internal emergency number at Orillia Soldiers Memorial.

When you dial 3333 from an internal phone, your call is treated as a priority. Be sure to state your location and the nature of the emergency. This will ensure that the appropriate assistance is sent to your location promptly.

Emergency Codes, Descriptions & Instructions

Code Grey: Loss of Technology or Infrastructure

If there is a failure or loss of infrastructure systems, including information technology, or if intervention measures pose a health or safety risk to patients, visitors, staff, physicians, and volunteers, a Code Grey will be announced.

How to Respond:

Remain calm.
Report any outages or service disruptions to a staff member.
Do not open any windows and limit your movement throughout the facility.
If able to do so, stay with your family/support network.
Await direction from hospital staff.

Code Red: Fire

Code Red procedures have been developed to mitigate the risks associated with fire at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.

If you discover a fire: remain calm and remember REACT

R: Remove those in immediate danger if possible

E: Close doors to contain the fire and smoke.

A: Pull the nearest fire alarm.

C: Call the switchboard at 3333 with the fire’s location

T: Try to put out the fire or evacuate if you can’t.

When You Hear the Fire Alarm:

Exit the building through the nearest exit.

Caution: Don’t use elevators, if there’s smoke, find an alternate exit.

Code Silver: Active or Threat of Harm with a Weapon

Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital is committed to providing a safe environment for all people within the hospital. A Code Silver outlines the response taken to manage an active threat of a person with a weapon.

How to Respond:

Remain calm.
Do not enter the affected area.
Evacuate the area if safe to do so.
If in affected area, take direction from hospital staff or Police Services
Seek cover and concealment if unable to leave
As a final option, take any necessary actions to protect yourself from the attacker.

Personal Preparedness and Your Safety Plan

Emergency preparedness starts with everyone. Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital urges patients, families, and the community to actively participate in emergency preparedness. By taking proactive steps, you can enhance your readiness no matter where you live, work, or visit. Here are some steps to consider:

Know your Risks

Understand what risks are most relevant to you and your support network

Make a Plan

Spend some time crafting a plan that suits your needs. Consider how you would evacuate, maintain communication with your support network, and manage any medical or disability requirements during an emergency.

Build an Emergency Kit

Prepare a kit with essential items that you need to ensure you and your network, including pets, can stay safe and self-sufficient for at least three days following an emergency. Here are some ideas of what you need:

Food and Water: Non-perishable food items and at least one gallon of water per person per day.
Flashlight: Battery-operated or wind-up flashlight.
Batteries: Extra batteries for your flashlight and other devices.
First Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptics, medications, and any necessary medical supplies.
Personal Hygiene Items: Soap, hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, and other personal care items.
Clothing and Blankets: Warm clothing and blankets to stay comfortable.
Tools: Multi-tool, duct tape, and a whistle.
Important Documents: Copies of identification, insurance policies, and other critical documents.
Cash: Small bills and coins.
Pet Supplies: Food, water, and any necessary items for your pets.

Stay Informed

Tune into local news and emergency notification applications to stay up-to-date on important information.

Emergency Preparedness Week – Activities

Emergencies can happen at any time and without warning. Be ready. With a little preparation, you can respond quickly to help yourself and others. Understand the risks in your area, create a household emergency plan and build an emergency kit.

Emergency Preparedness Week is celebrated the first week of May each year.

Visit Get Prepared: Home for more information.

Follow our Social Media accounts for more information and special events planned at Hospital and in our community.

Resources

Visit these websites to learn about emergency preparedness

If you need medical assistance but are unable to leave your home due to emergencies such as floods, severe weather, or power outages, and your condition is non-urgent, please talk with your health care provider or visit these websites. For emergencies, call 9-1-1.

Contact Us

For more information on Emergency Preparedness at EmergencyPreparedness@osmh.on.ca