Okayama University Hospital Disaster Measures

The Okayama University Hospital was designated as a regional disaster base hospital by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in April 1, 2012.
A regional disaster base hospital plays a central role in critical care for serious emergency patients with multiple injuries, extensive burns, etc., which is expected to be necessary frequently during and after large-scale disasters. Located in a region affected by earthquakes, the Okayama University Hospital is designed to minimize structural damage to the building by earthquake-resistant architecture, seismic isolation, and damping structures.* Moreover, it is prepared to maintain hospital functions by power generation with independently operated power generators, water supply from water reservoirs, and food and medical supply storage even if supplies from outside areas are delayed.
In addition, a disaster medical assistance team (DMAT) is sent from the Okayama University Hospital, to contribute to treatment and transfer of severely injured patients from affected areas. Moreover, if Okayama Prefecture is affected, we are prepared to contribute to DMATs dispatched by other regions by serving as their base of operations.
 
In the aftermath of a large-scale disaster, the Okayama University Hospital protects hospitalized patients while carrying out critical care services for severe emergency patients transferred from areas inside and outside of Okayama City as a regional disaster base hospital. For that reason, we might be unable to accept general outpatients temporarily. We can also transfer patients with minor injuries such as slight wounds to nearby clinics.
 
*Earthquake resistance: The building structure is reinforced to mitigate damage to the building from seismic vibrations.
*Seismic isolation: Seismic isolation rubber is used for the building foundation to parry lateral vibrations by earthquakes so that vibrations will not be propagated throughout the whole building.
*Damping: The Okayama University Hospital employs oil dampers and lead dampers so that vertical and lateral earthquake vibrations will be absorbed to prevent vibration of the entire building.


Earthquake-resistant

Seismic isolation

Damping structure (oil damper)

Damping structure (lead damper)