Fire Emergency Preparedness among Healthcare Workers in Selected Hospitals in Botswana
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47604/jhmn.4011Keywords:
Healthcare Workers, Hospital Fire Safety, Fire Emergency Preparedness, Emergency Response, BotswanaAbstract
Purpose: Insufficient safety protocols during the planning and operation of hospitals can lead to hazardous incidents. With multiple incidents occurring annually that frequently go undetected and result in fatalities and service disruptions, fire emergencies remain a significant risk in healthcare settings. This study assessed the level of fire emergency preparedness among healthcare workers in selected hospitals in Botswana.
Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional design was employed. Quantitative data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and observation checklists, while qualitative data were collected through key informant interviews. The study sampled 359 healthcare workers and included seven Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) officers from seven hospitals. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression; qualitative data were analyzed thematically.
Findings: Educational background and years of experience were significantly associated with fire preparedness. Healthcare workers with bachelor's degrees had 34.5% preparedness, while those with more than 15 years of experience had the highest preparedness at 52.9%. Only 18.5% had participated in fire drills and 34.3% had received fire safety training in the previous years. Only 40.5% knew how to properly use fire extinguishers, although 79.5% knew their location. Participation in fire safety training was the most significant indicator of individual preparedness (χ² = 121.104, p < 0.001). Overall, 87.7% were unfamiliar with specific emergency roles, and only 27% demonstrated adequate fire emergency preparedness. Hospital preparedness varied from 47.2% to 100%.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Emergency Management Preparedness Cycle guided the study, highlighting planning, training, equipping, drills, evaluation, and continuous improvement. The findings support competency-based fire safety training, clear emergency roles, regular drills, functional safety equipment, and stronger institutional communication. The Ministry of Health and relevant authorities should strengthen fire safety regulations, develop national hospital fire preparedness guidelines, provide adequate resources, and establish regular training, drills, and monitoring systems.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Onalenna Joyce Kgosiesele, Dr. Anthony Wanjohi Nyambura, Dr. Anne Towett
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