Crisis Management Communication Plan
Grace Parisi
HCS/350
12-15-14
Benjamin Ovando

Crisis Management Communication Plan

Effectively communicating is crucial when preparing and managing a crisis, mass trauma or disaster. In any of these situations proper structure and organization needs to be in place. This includes assigning responsibilities and training staff to follow certain procedures to successfully manage and continue to operate under the stress of the unplanned event.
When dealing with a crisis we need to have open, truthful and timely communication. So we can actively work and support each other. A crisis can be any situation that threatens the integrity or reputation of the facility or company. The important thing is to identify the situation and notify whoever needs to be involved. This may be a charge person, VP, CEO and maybe public relations. Then collaborate with each other, then come up with a plan to put it into motion.
In a mass trauma it is important to promote safety. This means getting people to a safe place and making sure they know they are safe. Trying to help people remain calm and decrease their anxiety. If anxiety remains high it can interfere with physical and psychological well-being. In emergencies people need to be able to trust and be trustworthy of the person communicating information. “A trusted source of information is the most important resilient asset that any individual or group cab have”. (Longstaff, 2005).
When a disaster strikes it is crucial to have a communication plan in effect. Our safety and our loved ones survival depends on the aspects of preparedness. This can be from dispatching first responders into affected areas, having a emergency plan in our hospitals to coordinating with our loved ones during times of crisis.
While a crisis is in effect it is very important to reduce stress. One way to start with is to clearly define what roles each individual has. As the situation changes it may be necessary to reevaluate them. Another way to decrease stress is at each shift change institute briefings to cover the current status of the environment, safety procedures, and required safety equipment. (SAMHSA, 2005). The third way to reduce stress is to use a form of communication for example if possible carry cellular phones. By providing a mobile phone for workers in dangerous environments can help minimize stress. We need to ensure that staff knows who to call when problems occur.
A familiar communication plan I am familiar with is a “CODE PINK”. This is our infant abduction plan. We have a certain communication management plan we must follow. The procedure starts with the member who discovers the missing infant. They are to dial 1999 and tell the operator to page “CODE PINK”. Then the operator sends a page overhead announcing a “CODE PINK”. Staff will be assigned to designated exits to lock down the hospital. No one is allowed to leave the facility. Staff is to physically secure the exits and visually monitor hallways for anything or anyone suspicious. If a suspicious person is observed, notify security by calling the operator and asking them to notify security staff. All staff on duty will remain until authorities have completed the investigation.
There are some way to try to resolve potential communication challenges. One way is to have an effective communication plan prior to a crisis will help. Have groups of responders that communicate on a regular basis. Being familiar with the plan can enhance crisis communication. Another way is to include all parties in crisis communication plans. Roles and responsibilities should be clear so that all parties involved know what they should do. Teams need to practice gathering and identify what needs to be done. The third way is for team members to have mutual respect and trust each other. This goes for before, during and after the crisis. Trusting team members makes a team run more smoothly. In the case of a crisis the team needs to be able to problem solve and delegate, which will help them communicate better and get through the emergency as a group.
Crisis can happen anytime or anywhere. The most important is for management to be prepared and have a plan in place. Using internal and external resources will help to set the plan into action. All staff members need to acknowledge the importance of preparedness so they can effectively play their role in a crisis, respond and recover quickly.

References Longstaff, P. (2005). Security, resilience, and communication in unpredictable environments such as terrorism, natural disasters, and complex technology. Syracuse, NY: Author.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. "A Guide to Managing Stress in Crisis Response Professions." DHHS Publication No. SMA 4113, 2005.