Did you know there is a term for people who get nervous when they go to the hospital? It is known as Nosocomephobia, and it’s an anxiety disorder that prevents people from visiting hospitals. This fear can be caused by a variety of factors, and navigating through the vast size of the establishment can be one of the reasons.

 

Hospitals are typically spread out over a large area, making it difficult for anyone to navigate without proper assistance and signage, especially during critical situations where people need quick assistance. Therefore, emergency signage is an essential piece of the puzzle that can, based on its effectiveness, induce or reduce fear among visitors.

Emergency Signage and Its Role

During critical situations, emergency signage can prove to be vital in ensuring quick response and safety of the patients.

Hospitals must develop the most accurate self-help signage guides that can assist people in guiding themselves with little supervision. This not only speeds up the turnaround time but also reduces the anxiety that these situations can cause. 

In fact, the role of emergency signage extends beyond the day-to-day rush. For example, a fire breaking out in a hospital is unusual but not unheard of. Since August 2020, about 120 Indians have died due to hospital fires. Could the proper fire safety signs and evacuation route guides alleviate the risk of these disasters to an extent? The answer is a resounding yes.

So, what should hospitals do to avoid such situations while also ensuring safe movement and emergency response? Let’s discuss.

Different Types of Emergency Signage Needed in Hospitals

Exit Signs

Exit signs are the most useful in critical emergency situations. In the event of a fire or a stampede, such signs can save many lives. These signs must be well-lit and placed at appropriate angles and in visible locations. 

Stairwells, lobbies, corridors, and other common locations should be considered for these signs. They must include the proper directional arrows to assist people in quickly understanding the route without having them figure out the pathway and stop to read the signs. 

Such signs can allow for a quick evacuation without the need for supervision or assistance. These can also be combined with evacuation route signs, which are useful for directing people to the right exit. For example, strategically installed directional arrow signs can be used to help people find the nearest exit.

Fire Safety Signs

Fire safety signs are classified as no smoking signs, fire exit signs, fire assembly signs, and fire extinguisher signs, among others. These signs aid in not only preventing fires but also in directing people to where they can get help and evacuate in emergency situations. 

Because hospitals have a lot of equipment and material stored for usage and see a high volume of visitors every day, it is critical that these safety signs are properly placed. Ideally, these signs should be placed in areas such as exit routes, hallways, stairwells, fire safety rooms, no-smoking zones, hazard-prone areas, and so on. They must include both language and symbols for easy identification in the event of an emergency.

Hazard Warning Signs

Hospitals contain hazardous materials, either in storage areas or in designated rooms where radiation therapies are administered. Radiation areas, flammable material storage, slippery or accident-prone areas, high voltage areas, and so on are all examples of places requiring hazardous warning signs. 

All areas must be clearly and precisely marked with universal signage for easy communication. These warning signs are typically placed outside the room, on the door, or on a nearby wall. Such areas are frequently restricted to entry and require special protection gear. Therefore, all such information must be provided right at the entrance for safety in critical situations.

Emergency Contact Signs

These are one of the most underappreciated but extremely valuable signs to include in any hospital’s signage strategy. Emergency contacts should be placed at reception and waiting areas, as well as near lifts on each floor, indicating which person to contact based on the nature of the emergency. These signs should definitely be placed near the ICU or ER because that is where most emergencies occur. 

The emergency contact signs usually include the person in charge’s name, designation, and department, as well as where they can be found. This saves a lot of time, allows visitors to find their way around without having to ask for directions, and curbs anxiety in the event of an emergency.

How To Ensure That the Signage Is Effective?

Once the hospital area has been mapped and the need has been identified, it is critical to understand how to make these signs effective and purposeful in the event of an emergency. Here are some tips on how to do it.

●Use the same lettering, base, and colours throughout the building to help people become familiar with the signage. Another critical consideration is the size of these signs. Some signs may require a larger frame, while others may not. Understanding this can make emergency signage in a healthcare facility quite effective. 

●Another factor that can significantly contribute to the effectiveness of hospital signage is the placement strategy. A hospital consists of many turns, rooms, and lobbies, and it can appear like a maze to a visitor. To avoid confusing people, multiple touchpoints are required, and the placement must be at eye level for easy routing.

●The signage must be written in both local and universally/nationally/regionally accepted languages, such as English/Hindi. This assists in reaching a larger audience. Universal signs that are easy to recognise can also be an excellent way to facilitate and improve communication. 

●The emergency signs must be made of long-lasting materials because their maintenance can get difficult in hospitals.

Besides, when wayfinding signage is difficult to place in a particular location, hospitals typically have to use route mapping on the floor for easy navigation. This greatly benefits visitors and relieves pressure on passing staff or receptionists who are busy dealing with patients and guiding them through the process.

How Can Cosign Help?

Hospital signage can be tricky. However, with the right strategy, hospitals can be better equipped to guide visitors with minimal assistance. At Cosign, we help hospitals in designing and developing perfect signage solutions that are not only comprehensive but also long-lasting and cost-effective.

Get in touch with our experts to learn more about installing effective emergency signage in hospitals.