* EC: A Tweet in Time: How two hospitals used social media to instantly update communicators and the community after a fertilizer factory explosion[®] [REF: EOC, JCSC, LDR, IT] EC News, February 2014, Vol 17, #2, Pg 1  

This showcase article shares an example of hospitals using Facebook and Twitter “to instantly and efficiently disseminate news and calls for aid” during a disaster. Pearl: On page 4 there is a sidebar that describes 9 recommended best practice steps for successfully implementing the use of social media in a hospital. 

Tip: EOC should review this article and consider incorporating social media into future disaster drills.

Tip: Leadership (LDR) should review this article and consider adding social media; not just for emergencies/disasters, but also as a tool for enhancing communication and furthering the development of safety culture.