Medical Risk Management for Meeting Professionals

A Panel Discussion By:Risk Management Executives & Thought Leaders

August 10, 2008

Session Description• A senior panel of risk management thought leaders will

share firsthand experiences and recommendations designed for anyone who faces the responsibility of coping with medical liability issues at meetings & events.

• Skills of a Strategic Meeting Planner from the 2007 Strategic Meetings Management Handbook:o Health and Safety Factorso Risk Managemento Security and Emergency Response Planningo Corporate Social Responsibility

Session Objectives• Learn the basics of planning for and handling a medical

emergency

• Learn how to properly evaluate a meeting site and your audience for medical preparedness

• Acquire the necessary tools to ensure a safe and risk-averse international program

Expert PanelistsPanelist Title / Company

Evelyn Laxgang President, Laxgang Consulting, Inc.

Jonathan T. Howe, Esq. Founding Partner/President, Howe & Hutton, LTD Chief Legal Counsel, MPI

Dr. Jogesh Harjai Regional Medical Director, InHouse Physicians

Chris Adderton President & CEO, CardioReady Certification Corporation

David L. Mair Acting Director, MEDEX Emergency Response Center

Moderator Title / Company

Lori Tanking Chief Marketing Officer, InHouse Physicians

Health & Safety

Attentiveness to factors that impact safety, communication regarding ways to improve safety,

and compliance with relevant rules and regulations.

Source: 2007 Strategic Meetings Management Handbook

Health & SafetyLARGE PROGRAMSThere is a direct correlation between the size of the group and the probability of a medical emergency occurring.

EXECUTIVE/TEAM PROGRAMSWhen a group of executives or senior managers are scheduled to attend, proactive planning for emergencies is crucial. Team-building or outdoor activities also introduce risk.

REMOTE LOCATIONSRemote destinations represent heightened risk, and can be complicated by lengthy 911 response times and/or limited local medical capabilities and inconsistent care.

INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONMedical care overseas is often substandard as compared to the United States, with factors that could contribute to delayed or inadequate care.

International Travel Risks• Medical Risks:o Destination-specific diseaseso Injuryo Inadequate medical careo Inconsistent emergency serviceso Counterfeit medications, unsafe blood supplyo Language barriers

• Natural Events• Political & Civil Turmoilo Myth of “safe” locations

Risk ManagementAnalysis, identification, planning and control of

those procedures and practices that can adversely impact the business.

Outputs include prevention, contingency planning and preparation of alternatives.

Source: 2007 Strategic Meetings Management Handbook

Common Medical Issues• Most common emergencies include: Sudden Cardiac

Arrest, food allergies, asthma attacks and trauma• Non-emergency situations can also intrude upon

your meeting / event: sprained ankle, flu, stomach ache, toothache, sore throat, cough, back pain, migraine

Security & Emergency Response Planning

Planning for and response to security problems and emergency situations.

Knowledge of the procedures and methods used to ensure the safety & security of staff and attendees

at meetings and events.

Source: 2007 Strategic Meetings Management Handbook

“The magnitude of a tragedy may be measured by the degree to which it

could have been prevented.”

“Chain of Survival”1. Early recognition and call for EMS

2. Initiation of basic life support: CPR

3. Defibrillation

4. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) with drug intervention

Venue Challenges• Availability of AED equipment

• Maintenance and testing

• Training of on-site personnel

• Communication / coordination with local EMS for transport and definitive treatment

Contingency Planning• Focus on principles of the event, not the details

• Know that communication failures will occur

• Empower people with both responsibility & authority

• Benefits of an effective plan:o Coordination in a time of uncertaintyo Minimize liabilityo Speed return to business

Corporate Social ResponsibilityA concept whereby organizations consider the interests of

society by taking responsibility for the impact of their activities on customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders,

communities and other stakeholders, as well as the environment.

This obligation is seen to extend beyond the statutory obligation to comply with legislation and sees organizations voluntarily taking further steps to improve the quality of life

for employees and their families as well as for the local community and society at large.

Question & Answer Session

Thank You for Your Attendance and Involvement in Today’s Panel !