Practice is crucial to prepare for emergencies. Health organizations may have preparedness and contingency plans, yet only when these plans are put to a test through drills can managers determine gaps and areas that need strengthening. Hospital drills are essential components to ensure that health professionals are prepared to face emergencies and disasters.

This resource guides hospital management in preparing for and conducting exercises for emergencies and disasters. After introducing basic principles in emergency exercises, it proceeds into describing the process of planning for and conducting them. It presents five exercise types: orientation, drill, tabletop, functional and full-scale.

Hospital managers and supervisors will find this document useful in preparing for their emergency drills and preparedness plans. The document will also provide good information to disaster preparedness and risk reduction advocates and trainers especially those who are working within the health sector.