Emergency Preparedness

Appendix G – TRAINING/EXERCISE

Kern Medical Emergency Preparedness

FEMA defines an Orientation Exercise as having the following elements (often called a Walk-Through ):

Informal

• • • •

No simulation

Discussion of roles and responsibilities Review past cases and lessons learned

• Introduction of policies, procedures, plans and responsibilities FEMA defines a Tabletop Exercise as having the following elements:

Information discussion of simulated emergency Messages to players, but no time pressures

• • • • •

Low stress

Initial evaluation of plans and procedures

Raise questions of coordination and responsibility FEMA defines a Functional Exercise as having the following elements: • Emergency simulation, timeline, with messages allowing player communications • Policy and coordination tested...personnel practice emergency response • Stressful, realistic simulation • Takes place in real time • Emphasizes emergency functions • EOC is activated FEMA defines a Full-Scale Exercise as having the following elements: • Tests several emergency functions and mixes field elements with response facilities • Activate EOC • Produces high stress Some form of exercise will be held at least twice a year, and more often as time and budgets allow. An off-hours exercise should be performed every two years. A weekend exercise should be performed every five years. Some exercises (full-scale) can be very expensive and require substantial staff time and resources for planning and performance. All exercises will be followed by a debriefing, or “hot wash,” with the participants. This will then be followed with a formal report such as a critique, After Action Report, or Corrective Action Report. • • Takes place in real time Employs real people and equipment

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