News

Rama Medical College & Hospital Conducts Fire Mock Drill to Strengthen Emergency Preparedness

03 Aug 2026

Introduction

Rama Medical College & Hospital organized a Fire Mock Drill on 29 July 2026 with the objective of strengthening fire safety awareness, emergency preparedness and response capabilities among faculty, staff and students.

The activity included an awareness and demonstration session in LT-2, followed by practical demonstrations on the correct use of fire extinguishers in the designated outdoor area. The drill provided participants with an opportunity to understand appropriate actions during a fire emergency and the importance of prompt, coordinated and safe response.

Objectives of the Fire Mock Drill

The major objectives were:

1. To create awareness regarding fire prevention and fire safety among hospital personnel and students.
2. To familiarize participants with the appropriate response during a fire emergency.
3. To demonstrate the correct method of operating fire extinguishers.
4. To strengthen preparedness for Code Red/fire emergencies.
5. To promote awareness regarding emergency exits and assembly points.
6. To encourage coordinated response among hospital staff, security personnel and emergency services.
7. To identify areas requiring further training and improvement in the hospital's fire emergency response system.
8. To reinforce a culture of safety, preparedness and prevention.

Proceedings of the Event

A. Awareness Session

The programme commenced with an awareness session in Lecture Theatre 2, where participants were briefed regarding fire safety, emergency response and the importance of remaining calm and following established emergency procedures.

Participants were sensitized regarding:

• Immediate actions during a fire emergency.
• Raising the alarm and informing the appropriate emergency response team.
• Safe evacuation of patients, staff, students and visitors.
• Importance of knowing emergency exits and assembly points.
• Safe handling and use of fire extinguishers.
• Maintaining clear evacuation routes.
• Coordination between hospital personnel, security and emergency services.

B. Fire Extinguisher Demonstration

A practical demonstration was conducted to familiarize participants with the operation of fire extinguishers.

The demonstration focused on:

• Identification of fire extinguishers.
• Understanding the basic operating mechanism.
• Safe handling and positioning of the extinguisher.
• Directing the discharge towards the base of the fire.
• Maintaining a safe distance while attempting fire suppression.
• Knowing when to evacuate rather than attempting to control a fire.

C. Hands-on Practical Demonstration

Participants were given practical exposure to the operation of fire extinguishers under supervision.

The photographs from the activity show faculty/staff members participating in the practical demonstration and operating fire extinguishers in the designated outdoor area.

D. Participation of Safety/Emergency Personnel

Police/security personnel were also present during the programme. Their participation helped emphasize the importance of inter-agency coordination and disciplined emergency response during a hospital fire or other emergency situation.

Outcomes of the Event

The Fire Mock Drill resulted in the following outcomes:

Enhanced Fire Safety Awareness

Participants gained better understanding of fire hazards and appropriate actions during an emergency.

Improved Practical Competency

Hands-on demonstration improved familiarity with the operation of fire extinguishers.

Strengthened Emergency Preparedness

The activity reinforced the importance of timely reporting, coordinated response and safe evacuation.

Improved Safety Culture              

The programme promoted the message that fire safety is a shared responsibility of every member of the hospital community.

Interdepartmental Coordination

Participation of faculty, hospital staff, security personnel, students and emergency personnel encouraged coordinated emergency response.

8. Strengths of the Drill

• Practical and interactive training rather than only theoretical instruction.
• Active participation of faculty and staff.
• Demonstration of actual fire extinguishers.
• Involvement of security/emergency personnel.
• Conducted in both indoor awareness and outdoor practical settings.
• Reinforced the hospital's commitment towards patient, staff and visitor safety.
• Photographic documentation was maintained as evidence of the activity.

9. Recommendations / Areas for Further Improvement

To ensure continuous improvement in fire preparedness, the following activities may be continued:

1. Conduct fire mock drills periodically as per the hospital's approved schedule.
2. Provide refresher training to newly joined employees and students.
3. Ensure that fire exits and evacuation routes remain clear and accessible.
4. Regularly verify the accessibility and functional status of fire extinguishers.
5. Display/update evacuation plans and emergency contact information at prominent locations.
6. Conduct periodic awareness sessions for all categories of hospital personnel.
7. Maintain proper documentation of each drill, including date, participants, observations, gaps and corrective actions.
8. Review the drill after completion and implement corrective/preventive actions wherever required.

NABH guidance emphasizes maintaining fire-safety plans, equipment maintenance, exit plans, emergency illumination, training, mock-drill schedules and mock-drill records as part of healthcare fire-safety preparedness.

10. Conclusion

The Fire Mock Drill conducted at Rama Medical College & Hospital on 29 July 2026 was a valuable initiative to enhance fire-safety awareness and emergency preparedness among faculty, staff and students.

The combination of awareness briefing, practical fire-extinguisher demonstration and participation of safety/emergency personnel provided meaningful hands-on learning. The programme reinforced the importance of remaining prepared, responding promptly and working together during a fire emergency.

The event successfully promoted the message:

“PREPARE TODAY, PROTECT TOMORROW.”

The Fire Mock Drill is an important component of the hospital's ongoing efforts towards maintaining a safe environment for patients, staff, students and visitors and strengthening its emergency preparedness and safety culture.