Logistics

In the event of a disaster (e.g. mass casualty event, severe weather causing multiple injuries), the University of Vermont Medical Center will establish a media briefing room on the first floor of the McClure building. Please use the Colchester Avenue entrance and follow signs for media parking.

All media will be asked to present and wear credentials while on campus, and remain in the briefing room or immediately outside the McClure building.

Media relations staff will be available in the briefing room to answer questions and provide updates as quickly as possible. If you need to reach media staff while off campus, please call 802-847-0000 and ask to have us paged.

Interviews

All interviews with The University of Vermont Medical Center, patients and their family members will be coordinated through media relations personnel.

Patient Conditions

During a disaster or crisis, normal policies apply to providing media with patient information. Under federal guidelines, The UVM Medical Center cannot release any information about patient conditions unless first and last names are provided. For those under 18, we must obtain consent from parents and/or guardians before releasing any information.

If those criteria are met, we are only authorized to provide the following conditions as defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA):

Being Evaluated

Patient condition being assessed by clinicians.

Good

Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious and comfortable. Indicators are excellent.

Fair

Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious, but may be uncomfortable. Indicators are favorable.

Serious

Vital signs may be unstable and not within normal limits. Patient is acutely ill. Indicators are questionable.

Critical

Vital signs are unstable and not within normal limits. Patient may be unconscious. Indicators are unfavorable.

Contacting Media Relations Staff

Call 802-847-2886 during business hours and leave a message as some staff work remotely, and someone will return your call.

Outside of regular business hours, call 802-847-0000 and ask to have the media relations staff paged.

You may also use e-mail to contact the media relations team:

  • Annie Mackin, Chief Network Media Relations Office - annie [dot] mackinatuvmhealth [dot] org (annie[dot]mackin[at]uvmhealth[dot]org)
  • Phil Rau, Communications and Media Specialist - prauatalicehyde [dot] com (prau[at]alicehyde[dot]com)