Standard Operating Procedure for Emergency Protocol Activation in BA/BE Studies
Department | BA-BE Studies |
---|---|
SOP No. | SOP/BA-BE/134/2025 |
Supersedes | SOP/BA-BE/134/2022 |
Page No. | Page 1 of 9 |
Issue Date | 17/04/2025 |
Effective Date | 20/04/2025 |
Review Date | 17/04/2026 |
1. Purpose
To define a clear and effective procedure for the activation and management of emergency protocols during the conduct of BA/BE studies in order to ensure immediate response, subject safety, and adherence to regulatory obligations.
2. Scope
This SOP is applicable to all staff at clinical and bioanalytical trial facilities involved in the conduct of BA/BE studies during any medical, technical, or environmental emergency.
3. Responsibilities
- Principal Investigator (PI):
Oversees emergency management and ensures subject safety.
Medical Officer: Provides immediate medical care and documents clinical management.
Study Coordinator: Assists in communication, coordination, and execution of response activities.
QA Personnel: Ensures all emergency actions are documented and reviewed per GCP and site SOPs.
4. Accountability
The Clinical Operations Head is accountable for ensuring timely activation, documentation, and reporting of emergency procedures in accordance with regulatory and ethical guidelines.
5. Procedure
5.1 Definition of Emergency
- Medical emergencies (e.g., severe allergic reaction, cardiac arrest, seizures)
- Operational emergencies (e.g., power failure, equipment breakdown)
- Environmental hazards (e.g., fire, flooding, gas leaks)
5.2 Activation of Emergency Protocol
- Any staff member identifying an emergency must immediately inform the Medical Officer or PI.
- Activate Annexure-1: Emergency Protocol Activation Checklist.
- Use public announcement system or designated emergency signal where applicable.
5.3 Subject Management During Emergency
- Stabilize affected subject(s) using emergency equipment (e.g., oxygen, defibrillator).
- Move subject to designated emergency care room.
- Document event in Annexure-2: Emergency Incident Report Form.
- Inform local emergency medical services if required.
5.4 Evacuation and Site Safety
- Follow Annexure-3: Site Evacuation Plan in case of fire or environmental threat.
- Ensure all subjects and staff evacuate in an orderly manner.
- Assemble at pre-identified muster points and perform headcount.
5.5 Communication and Notification
- Notify:
- Sponsor/monitor within 24 hours
- IEC/IRB within the required reporting timeline
- Regulatory authority (e.g., CDSCO) for SAEs or critical incidents
- Use Annexure-4: Regulatory Notification Form.
5.6 Post-Emergency Review and CAPA
- Conduct emergency debrief within 48 hours with all involved staff.
- Initiate CAPA using Annexure-5: Emergency CAPA Log.
- Review procedures to identify gaps or retraining needs.
6. Abbreviations
- PI: Principal Investigator
- IEC: Institutional Ethics Committee
- SAE: Serious Adverse Event
- CAPA: Corrective and Preventive Action
- CDSCO: Central Drugs Standard Control Organization
7. Documents
- Emergency Protocol Activation Checklist – Annexure-1
- Emergency Incident Report Form – Annexure-2
- Site Evacuation Plan – Annexure-3
- Regulatory Notification Form – Annexure-4
- Emergency CAPA Log – Annexure-5
8. References
- ICH E6(R2) – Good Clinical Practice
- Schedule Y – Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, India
- WHO Emergency Response Framework
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
---|---|---|---|
Signature | |||
Date | |||
Name | |||
Designation | |||
Department |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Emergency Protocol Activation Checklist
Step | Description | Status | Initials |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Identify and report emergency | Completed | SR |
2 | Alert medical response team | Completed | AV |
Annexure-2: Emergency Incident Report Form
Date | Time | Type of Emergency | Subject ID | Description | Action Taken |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
16/04/2025 | 11:30 AM | Anaphylaxis | SUB012 | Allergic reaction post-dose | Administered epinephrine |
Annexure-3: Site Evacuation Plan
Zone | Exit Route | Muster Point | Supervisor |
---|---|---|---|
Dosing Room | North Stairwell | Assembly Zone A | Meena Joshi |
Annexure-4: Regulatory Notification Form
Notified To | Date | Mode | Details Sent | Acknowledged By |
---|---|---|---|---|
IEC Chair | 16/04/2025 | SAE Report, PI statement | Dr. Ramesh Kumar |
Annexure-5: Emergency CAPA Log
Date | Issue | Root Cause | Corrective Action | Preventive Action | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
17/04/2025 | Delayed response | Alarm not triggered | Manual alert issued | Install new alert system | Ongoing |
Revision History:
Revision Date | Revision No. | Details | Reason | Approved By |
---|---|---|---|---|
05/01/2022 | 1.0 | Initial SOP release | Trial SOP setup | QA Head |
17/04/2025 | 2.0 | Added structured annexures and evacuation protocols | Inspection feedback | QA Head |