Earthquake Preparedness Handbook for Hospital Staff

This handbook helps answer crucial questions in preparation for future major earthquakes: what types of damage could occur if no measures are taken, what actions should be implemented now to avoid such damage, and how to carry out those actions effectively.

Targeted at medical staff, it provides concrete guidance on how to protect people inside medical facilities and maintain the facility’s functions even if a major earthquake strikes. The recommendations are based on factual findings from our experimental research.

By presenting materials that allow users to visualize potential earthquake damage, the handbook encourages medical device and equipment manufacturers to consider seismic risks that were previously overlooked. It can also serve as a reference for designing new medical equipment with earthquake countermeasures in mind.

Alongside the handbook, we have compiled a DVD titled “Preparing for Major Earthquakes – Aiming to Maintain Function”, which includes video footage from the world’s first shaking table experiments on medical facilities conducted at E-Defense. The DVD helps viewers understand the necessity, methods, and effectiveness of earthquake countermeasures, and can be used for both education and awareness purposes.