| [ Summary ] |
In major disasters, hemodialysis service must be conducted in an uninterrupted safe manner. In such circumstances, it is highly essential that not only safety and the integrity of the building itself be assured but also various medical equipment and facilities with their lifelines, such as water and electricity, be maintained. The entire hospital must be able to continue functioning. During the Northridge Earthquake (United States) of 1994, those hospitals that were equipped with an earthquake-resistant structures escaped major structural damage. However, medical equipment and facilities contained within were badly damaged, resulting in a virtual shutdown for the ensuing several days. By contrast, those hospitals that had been constructed with a seismically isolated design were virtually unscathed. As a matter of fact, a neurosurgical procedure that was about to take place at the start of the earthquake was continued as usual after one minute interruption. This indicates that a seismically isolated structure is essential to protect people and buildings and maintain the major functions of the hospital. |