Are you challenged yet?
Since 2000, there have been dozens of mass casualty producing events in the United States. They have created an immediate need for surge capacity and caused activation of healthcare emergency operations plans. These events include:
- Hurricanes – Numerous from the Gulf States all the way to the eastern seaboard.
- Aircraft and train accidents – NY, KY, and CA
- Club Fire- Rhode Island
- Tornados- AK, IL, OH and KY
- Ice Storm with significant infrastructure (including hospitals) damage- KY, AK
- School shootings- VA, PA, CO, VT, MN, LA, NY, CA (rural and urban communities)
- Train collisions- DC, CA
- Wildfire/Arson- CA
- Bridge collapse- MN
- Lab/ factory explosion- FL, GA
- Pandemic Influenza (seasonal and H1N1) of 2009-global
The healthcare system in America is facing great economic and legislative challenges. There are challenges with provider shortages and overcrowded Emergency Departments. There are concerns of decreased federal funding for preparedness and response. These are daily challenges, without the threat of a potential mass casualty event.
The federal stance that a disaster is "locally owned", at least for the immediate duration, has been proven true. The incident can be a single entity event, one involving multi-jurisdictions, or one of such catastrophic nature, thousands of victims are affected. Be it a local, state or federal response, three overarching themes have emerged from the incident that attributed to the operational success of the mission: effective resource management; use of an incident command system, and training that is realistic and effective.
Disaster Management Consultants, Inc. is a company founded by hospital based staff. We have long-standing partnerships with federal and local agencies in all phases of emergency management. All staff at DMC, Inc. has completed National Incident Management System training and we are certified providers of Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program. We offer consulting, training, services and products to the healthcare system and its partnering agencies. We can help you prepare for, recover from, and confidently respond to your emergency management challenges.