scholarly journals Incident command during multi-agency disaster response

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julij Jeraj ◽  
Marjan Malešič ◽  
Jelena Juvan ◽  
Miha Šlebir
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Response ◽  
Incident Command

The 1994 Northridge Earthquake Disaster Response: The Local Emergency Medical Services Agency Experience

1996 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 172-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel J. Stratton ◽  
Virginia Price Hastings ◽  
Darlene Isbell ◽  
John Celentano ◽  
Miguel Ascarrunz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Communication Systems ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Northridge Earthquake ◽  
Power Sources ◽  
Incident Command ◽  
Emergency Medical ◽  
1994 Northridge Earthquake

AbstractIntroduction:This paper describes the 1994 Northridge earthquake experience of the local emergency medical services (EMS) agency. Discussed are means that should improve future local agency disaster responses.Methods:Data reported are descriptive and were collected from multiple independent sources, and can be reviewed publicly and confirmed. Validated data collected during the disaster by the Local EMS Agency also are reported.Results:The experience of the Los Angeles County EMS Agency was similar to that of earthquake disasters previously reported. Communication systems, water, food, shelter, sanitation means, power sources, and medical supplies were resources needed early in the disaster. Urban Search and Rescue Teams and Disaster Medical Assistance Teams were important elements in the response to the Northridge earthquake. The acute phase of the disaster ended within 48 to 72 hours and public health then became the predominant health-care issue. Locating community food and water supplies near shelters, providing transportation to medical care, and public-health visits to shelter locations helped prevent the development of long-term park encampments. An incident command system for the field, hospitals, and government responders was necessary for an organized response to the disaster.Conclusion:Disaster preparedness, multiple forms of reliable communication, rapid mobilization of resources, and knowledge of available state and federal resources are necessary for a disaster response by a local EMS agency.

scholarly journals The Engagement of Academic Institutions in Community Disaster Response: A Comparative Analysis

2014 ◽  
Vol 129 (6_suppl4) ◽  
pp. 87-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne L. Dunlop ◽  
Kristi M. Logue ◽  
Alexander P. Isakov
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Emergency Management ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Space Shuttle ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
Mutual Aid ◽  
Academic Institutions ◽  
Incident Command

Objective. Using comparative analysis, we examined the factors that influence the engagement of academic institutions in community disaster response. Methods. We identified colleges and universities located in counties affected by four Federal Emergency Management Agency-declared disasters (Kentucky ice storms, Hurricanes Ike and Gustav, California wildfires, and the Columbia space shuttle disintegration) and performed key informant interviews with officials from public health, emergency management, and academic institutions in those counties. We used a comparative case study approach to explore particular resources provided by academic institutions, processes for engagement, and reasons for engagement or lack thereof in the community disaster response. Results. Academic institutions contribute a broad range of resources to community disaster response. Their involvement and the extent of their engagement is variable and influenced by ( 1) their resources, ( 2) preexisting relationships with public health and emergency management organizations, ( 3) the structure and organizational placement of the school's disaster planning and response office, and ( 4) perceptions of liability and lines of authority. Facilitators of engagement include ( 1) the availability of faculty expertise or special training programs, ( 2) academic staff presence on public health and emergency management planning boards, ( 3) faculty contracts and student practica, ( 4) incident command system or emergency operations training of academic staff, and ( 5) the existence of mutual aid or memoranda of agreements. Conclusion. While a range of relationships exist between academic institutions that engage with public health and emergency management agencies in community disaster response, recurrent win-win themes include co-appointed faculty and staff; field experience opportunities for students; and shared planning and training for academic, public health, and emergency management personnel.

scholarly journals (A226) Establishing a Framework for Synchronizing Critical Decision Making with Information Analysis during a Health/Medical Emergency

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S1) ◽  
pp. s61-s61 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Paturas ◽  
J. Pelazza ◽  
R. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
The United States ◽  
Medical Emergency ◽  
Incident Management ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Information Analysis ◽  
Incident Command ◽  
State And Local

BackgroundThe Yale New Haven Center for Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response (YNH-CEPDR) has worked in the United States with state and local health and medical organizations to evaluate critical decision making activities and to develop decision making tools and protocols to enhance decision making in a time sensitive environment. YNH-CEPDR has also worked with international organizations and US federal agencies to support situational awareness activities in simulated and real world events.ObjectivesDuring this session YNH-CEPDR will share the best practices from recent events such as the H1N1 response and the Haiti Earthquake. Participants will be engaged in discussions regarding overall framework for successful information collection, analysis and dissemination to support decision making based on these experiences. This session will also incorporate concepts provided by the US National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS), specifically through the development of Situational Reports (SitReps), Incident Action Plans (IAP) and Job Action Sheets as methods to implement the framework and concepts discussed. Participants will be led through a series of scenario-based discussions to allow application of critical decision making factors to their organization. At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to identify next steps for enhancing the synchronization of critical decision making and information analysis within their organizations.

Theme 6. Multidisciplinary Team Interaction: Summary and Action Plan

2001 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felipe Cruz-Vega ◽  
Charles Sun ◽  
Bruce Brink ◽  
Robert (Bob) Bugslag ◽  
Beatriz González Del Castillo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multidisciplinary Team ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Psychosocial Impact ◽  
Action Plans ◽  
Team Interaction ◽  
Incident Command ◽  
Local Responses ◽  
Intractable Problems ◽  
Team Interactions

AbstractIntroduction:Multidisciplinary team interaction has become a commonplace phrase in the discussion of disaster response. Theme 6 explored multidisciplinary team interactions and attempted to identify some of the key issues and possible solutions to the seemingly intractable problems inherent in this endeavour.Methods:Details of the methods used are provided in the introductory paper. The Cochairs moderated all presentations and produced a summary that was presented to an assembly of all of the delegates. The Cochairs then presided over a workshop that resulted in the generation of a set of Action Plans that then were reported to the collective group of all delegates.Results:Main points developed during the presentations and discussion included: (1) promotion of multidisciplinary collaboration, (2) standardization, (3) the Incident Command System, (4) professionalism, (5) regional disparities, and (6) psychosocial impact.Discussion:Action plans recommended: (1) a standardized template for Needs Assessment be developed, implemented, and applied using collaboration with international organizations, focusing on needs and criteria appropriate to each type of event, and (2) team needs assessments be recognized for local responses and for determination of when international assistance may be required, for planning a command system, and for evaluating the psychosocial impact.Conclusions:There is a clear need for the development of standardized methods for the assessment of needs, development and implementation of a command structure, and for appreciation of regional differences and the psychosocial impact of all interventions.

scholarly journals Beyond ICS: How Should We Govern Complex Disasters in the United States?

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Branda Nowell ◽  
Toddi Steelman
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Response ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
National Policy ◽  
The United States ◽  
Network Governance ◽  
Governance Structures ◽  
Incident Command System ◽  
Incident Command ◽  
Complex Disasters ◽  
Private Actors

Abstract The complexity of large-scale disasters requires governance structures that can integrate numerous responders quickly under often chaotic conditions. Complex disasters – by definition – span multiple jurisdictions and activate numerous response functions carried out by numerous legally autonomous public, nonprofit, and private actors. The command operating structure of the Incident Command System (ICS) is a hierarchical structure used to manage complex incidents. Increasingly, complex disasters are seen as networks of multiple actors. Improving our capacity to respond to large-scale, complex disasters requires moving beyond the “hierarchy versus networks” debate to understand the conditions under which governance structures can best serve disaster response goals. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of the governance structures embedded in our national policy tools and frameworks can enhance our ability to govern effectively in networked contexts. In this article, we suggest the need to shift focus to build greater capacity for hybrid and network governance approaches, including a more sophisticated understanding of the conditions under which these governance forms are most effective.

scholarly journals Use of Incident Command System for Disaster Preparedness: A Model for an Emergency Department COVID-19 Response

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andra Farcas ◽  
Justine Ko ◽  
Jennifer Chan ◽  
Sanjeev Malik ◽  
Lisa Nono ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Disaster Plan ◽  
Incident Command System ◽  
Incident Command ◽  
Optimal Coordination ◽  
Multiple Challenges ◽  
Operations Center

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented demands on health systems, where hospitals have become overwhelmed with patients amidst limited resources. Disaster response and resource allocation during such crises present multiple challenges. A breakdown in communication and organization can lead to unnecessary disruptions and adverse events. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) promotes the use of an incident command system (ICS) model during large-scale disasters, and we hope that an institutional disaster plan and ICS will help to mitigate these lapses. In this article, we describe the alignment of an emergency department (ED) specific Forward Command structure with the hospital ICS and address the challenges specific to the ED. Key components of this ICS include a hospital-wide incident command or Joint Operations Center (JOC) and an ED Forward Command. This type of structure leads to a shared mental model with division of responsibilities that allows institutional adaptations to changing environments and maintenance of specific roles for optimal coordination and communication. We present this as a model that can be applied to other hospital EDs around the country to help structure the response to the COVID-19 pandemic while remaining generalizable to other disaster situations.

Incident Command Situation Assessment Utilizing Video Feeds from UAVs

2011 ◽  
pp. 55-71
Author(s):  
John McGuirl ◽  
Nadine Sarter ◽  
David Woods
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Response ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Situation Assessment ◽  
Incident Command ◽  
Data Search ◽  
Image Channel ◽  
Video Feed ◽  
Aerial Vehicle ◽  
Diverse Data

Past experience has shown that introducing new Information Technologies can have unintended and undesirable consequences, such as new forms of errors and a narrowing of data search activities. Eight Incident Commanders (ICs) took part in a simulated disaster response exercise to determine how the availability of real-time image feeds from a UAV impact on situation assessment and decision-making. The exercise simulated the video feed from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that allows incident command centers to monitor developments at a crisis site. The results showed that information from the video image channel dominated information available from other channels or in other forms. Nearly all of the ICs failed to detect important changes in the situation that were not captured in the imaging channel but that were available via other, more traditional data sources. The dominance of the image feed resulted in ICs narrowing their data search activities and reducing cross-checking across diverse data sources. This study confirms anecdotal reports that users can over-rely on video feeds from UAVs.

The effect of training on disaster response: Lessons learned from recent events

2008 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 57
Author(s):  
Hessam M. Afshari, BS ◽  
Paul N. Cervone, MD, LTC ◽  
Mark J. Seaton, PhD ◽  
Miley A. Taylor, BA ◽  
Bruce S. Rudy, DEd
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Incident Command System ◽  
Incident Command ◽  
Different Response ◽  
Training Exercises

National attention to emergency preparedness has resulted in the development of numerous tabletop and exercise-based training programs for responders. The importance of this type of training with respect to the effectiveness of disaster response, while not in doubt, is difficult to measure. Here, we examined after action reports (AARs) from a variety of disasters in an attempt to determine what, if any, effect training has had on the response to a particular event and on disaster response in general.We also examined AARs and lessons learned from two training exercises. Possibly, the most significant effect of training was the opportunity for people from different response units to interact as a team. Exposure to the Incident Command System was vital to the smooth deployment of assets.

Disaster Preparedness for Clinics – Further Study from Haiti

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-173
Author(s):  
Benjamin Kaufman ◽  
Sadia Hussain ◽  
Matthew Riscinti ◽  
Christina Bloem ◽  
Bonnie Arquilla
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Incident Command ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Set Up

AbstractObjective:This team created a manual to train clinics in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to effectively respond to disasters. This study is a follow-up to a prior study evaluating disaster response. The team returned to previously trained clinics to evaluate retention and performance in a disaster simulation.Background:Local clinics are the first stop for patients when disaster strikes LMICs. They are often under-resourced and under-prepared to respond to patient needs. Further effort is required to prepare these crucial institutions to respond effectively using the Incident Command System (ICS) framework.Methods:Two clinics in the North East Region of Haiti were trained through a disaster manual created to help clinics in LMICs respond effectively to disasters. This study measured the clinic staff’s response to a disaster drill using the ICS and compared the results to prior responses.Results:Using the prior study’s evaluation scale, clinics were evaluated on their ability to set up an ICS. During the mock disaster, staff was evaluated on a three-point scale in 13 different metrics, grading their ability to mitigate, prepare, respond, and recover in a disaster. By this scale, both clinics were effective (36/39; 92%) in responding to a disaster.Conclusion:The clinics retained much prior training, and after repeat training, the clinics improved their disaster response. Future study will evaluate the clinics’ ability to integrate disaster response with country-wide health resources to enable an effective outcome for patients.

Development and Implementation of a Disaster Medicine Certificate Series (DMCS) for Medical Students

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (02) ◽  
pp. 197-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madison B. Kommor ◽  
Bethany Hodge ◽  
Gregory Ciottone
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Extreme Environments ◽  
The United States ◽  
Mass Casualty ◽  
Disaster Medicine ◽  
Mass Shootings ◽  
Student Opinions ◽  
Incident Command

Introduction:The recent increase in natural disasters and mass shootings highlights the need for medical providers to be prepared to provide care in extreme environments. However, while physicians of all specialties may respond in emergencies, disaster medicine training is minimal or absent from most medical school curricula in the United States. A voluntary Disaster Medicine Certificate Series (DMCS) was piloted to fill this gap in undergraduate medical education.Report:Beginning in August of 2017, second- and third-year medical students voluntarily enrolled in DMCS. Students earned points toward the certificate through participation in activities and membership in community organizations in a flexible format that caters to variable schedules and interests. Topics covered included active shooter training, decontamination procedures, mass-casualty triage, Incident Command System (ICS) training, and more. At the conclusion of the pilot year, demographic information was collected and a survey was conducted to evaluate student opinions regarding the program.Results:Sixty-eight second- and third-year medical students participated in the pilot year, with five multi-hour skills trainings and five didactic lectures made available to students. Forty-eight of those 68 enrolled in DMCS completed the retrospective survey. Student responses indicated that community partners serve as effective means for providing lectures (overall mean rating 4.50/5.0) and skills sessions (rating 4.58/5.0), and that the program created avenues for real-world disaster response in their local communities (rating 4.40/5.0).Conclusions:The DMCS voluntary certificate series model served as an innovative method for providing disaster medicine education to medical students.Kommor MB, Hodge B, Ciottone G. Development and implementation of a Disaster Medicine Certificate Series (DMCS) for medical students.Prehosp Disaster Med. 2019;34(2):197–202

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document