An Evacuation Simulation in Multiple Neonatal Intensive Care Units Across a Single City Lessons Learned

This article describes an exercise conducted in El Paso, Texas, in which six neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) simulated an emergency evacuation involving NICU staff and first responders. Independent evaluators used a standardized tool to measure staff competencies; post-exercise reactions were measured by staff surveys. Overall, the exercise improved NICU staff evacuation skills and familiarized first responders with this patient population. Teamwork, understanding of evacuation equipment, and patient tracking were strengths identified during the exercise.