Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay leadership was prompted to implement a hospital incident command center after a wildfire.

The blaze started on the Cuban side and crossed the fence line onto the installation, resulting in an evacuation of a six housing areas on Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Feb. 22.

"The role of the hospital during this emergency was to be ready to accommodate any potential casualties," Cmdr. Darla Dietrich, director for administration, NHGB explained.

The emergency plan included several steps according to Kevin Robarge, emergency manager, NHGB. He said an alpha and bravo team was identified at the onset. Additional personnel was on standby to walk the perimeter if necessary to ensure safety was maintained around the facility. Others triaged phone calls and handled patient emergencies.

Pharmacy hours were extended to allow people an opportunity to obtain life sustaining medications that may have been left behind during the evacuation. An equipment assessment was completed to gain insight on what was on hand and how long supplies would last to treat potential casualties. Cots were issued and galley services were provided for staff required to stay after regular business hours.

"We routinely conduct disaster drills in order to prepare us for emergency situations like this," Eric Doggett, command master chief, NHGB said. "The way our team responded confirms we are well prepared to address an emergency situation."

After the wildfire was contained, Capt. Annie Case, executive officer, NHGB praised hospital staff for their efforts.

"Team USNH Guantanamo Bay came together when needed and that engagement is the best gift to any leadership group," she said. "Your actions proved that we are Navy Medicine; ready anytime, anywhere."

U.S. Navy Hospital Guantanamo Bay embraces providing world-class care by maintaining a reputation for sustaining one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of any military treatment facility in the Navy. The patient population of approximately 5,500 includes military family members, government civilian employees and their families, special category residents, contractors, foreign nationals and migrants.

Navy Medicine is a global health care network of 63,000 personnel that provide health care support to the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, their families and veterans in high operational tempo environments, at expeditionary medical facilities, medical treatment facilities, hospitals, clinics, hospital ships and research units around the world.