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Developing a public health emergency operations plan: a primer
Abstract
EOPs are an important component of public health emergency preparedness. EOPs are developed according to an "all-hazard approach". These EOPs include a basic plan, functional annexes, hazard-specific appendices and SOPs.
... Irrespective of the space dimensions, it would be useful to consider the basic PHEOC layout approaches including the Boardroom, Mission Control, Marketplace, Bull's-Eye or Virtual models. The underlying philosophy of any lay out should be ease of function of an PHEOC-ease of communication (technological and in person), easy assembly or convening of multidisciplinary teams, ease of sharing coordination information, and concentrate command structure activities in a visibly manageable location [8,14,[29][30][31]For example, if watch functions, logistics, and field operations are accommodated in independent buildings or floors or separated by divisions, coordination can take longer time than if it was in the same space. The layout of the PHEOC room may take the form of a boardroom, mission control, marketplace or Bull's eye design. ...
Abstract
Mass gatherings (MG) are characterized by the influx of large numbers of people with the need to have infrastructural changes to support these gatherings. Thus, Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) is critical management infrastructure for both the delivery of public health functions and for mounting adequate response during emergencies. The recognition of the importance of PHEOC at the leadership and political level is foundational for the success of any public health intervention during MG. The ability of the PHEOC to effectively function depends on appropriate design and infrastructure, staffing and command structure, and plans and procedures developed prior to the event. Multi-ministerial or jurisdictional coordination will be required and PHEOC should be positioned with such authorities. This paper outlines the essential concepts, elements, design, and operational aspects of PHEOC during MG.
As societies become more complex and interconnected, the global risk for catastrophic disasters is increasing. Demand for expertise to mitigate the human suffering and damage these events cause is also high. A new field of disaster medicine is emerging, offering innovative approaches to optimize disaster management. Much of the information needed to create the foundation for this growing specialty is not objectively described or is scattered among multiple different sources. This definitive work brings together a coherent and comprehensive collection of scientific observations and evidence-based recommendations with expert contributors from around the globe. This book identifies essential subject matter, clarifies nomenclature, and outlines necessary areas of proficiency for healthcare professionals handling mass casualty crises. It also describes in-depth strategies for the rapid diagnosis and treatment of victims suffering from blast injuries or exposure to chemical, biological, and radiological agents.
Floods may be caused by natural processes that are either fluvial or coastal in origin. Generalized food shortages, severe enough to cause nutritional problems, usually do not occur after disasters but may arise among low-income nations. Displacement is a key risk factor for morbidity and mortality among disaster-affected populations. Flooding may directly damage healthcare facilities or it may hinder public access to these facilities by closing transportation routes. The number of deaths associated with flooding is closely related to the life-threatening characteristics of the flood and by the behavior of the victims. Causes of flood-related morbidity reported in high-income nations during the first 6 weeks after the disaster are frequently equally divided between injuries and illnesses. Sustainable flood risk management seeks to reduce risk at all stages of the disaster cycle giving preference to more cost-effective disaster risk reduction activities such as prevention, preparedness, and mitigation.
Objective:
This article outlines a number of important areas in which public health can contribute to making overall disaster management more effective. This article discusses health effects of some of the more important sudden impact natural disasters and potential future threats (e.g., intentional or deliberately released biologic agents) and outlines the requirements for effective emergency medical and public health response to these events.
Conclusion:
All natural disasters are unique in that each affected region of the world has different social, economic, and health backgrounds. Some similarities exist, however, among the health effects of different natural disasters, which if recognized, can ensure that health and emergency medical relief and limited resources are well managed.
Objective:Environmental emergencies and disasters are becoming more frequent in developing nations. Between 1992 and 1996, disasters affected an annual average of 4.5 million Oceania residents. Unfortunately, public health planners in the region and responders throughout the world have little evidence on which to base measures of emergency preparedness. Indicators of preparedness must be identified, implemented and evaluated before the effectiveness of emergency planning interventions can be measured accurately. The aim of this study was to perform an objective evaluation of emergency preparedness among five nations in Oceania.Methods:A standardized retrospective review of national-level public health and institutional-level hospital emergency operations plans from a convenience sample of five Pacific nations or territories was performed. In addition, in-country interviews, observation of operations and review of documentation were conducted. The rates of affirmative responses to 957 yes/no queries in the questionnaire were tabulated according to major emergency operational planning concepts and categories of emergency support functions.Results:The study revealed remarkably low levels of emergency planning and preparedness among health and medical sectors of five Pacific islands.Conclusion:These data suggest a very low level of host national capacity for development of preparedness. Further investigation is necessary to define this need throughout this region of Oceania. See Commentary, page 143.