Which scenario is considered an internal disaster within a healthcare facility?

An internal disaster within a healthcare facility refers to an event that disrupts the operations and safety within the facility itself. The scenario of losing electrical power fits this definition because it directly affects the functioning of the healthcare services. Power loss can impede critical systems such as medical equipment, lighting, and communication, leading to challenges in patient care, safety protocols, and overall facility operations.

In contrast, the serious life-threatening medication error, while critically concerning, typically falls under a different category related to clinical errors rather than a facility-wide disaster scenario. An outbreak of a viral illness among staff, though impacting internal operations, is more about health and human resources issues rather than a structural or operational disruption like power loss. Lastly, a nearby natural disaster is considered an external disaster, as its effects might not directly stem from the facility's operational capabilities but rather from environmental factors outside of its control.