Use of Simulation/Exercise in Disaster Preparedness

Dr. Charles W. BeadlingCentral Asia Regional Health Security Conference

17-19 April 2012Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

Overview:Phases of Effective Disaster ResponseDisaster Risk Reduction, Disaster

PreparednessDisaster Preparedness CycleSimulation/Exercise as a Tool

PurposesTable TopLive

What are your main threats?

3 Phases of Disaster Response

Prepare Respond

Recover

PrepareActions taken

before an incident:

Analyzing threats, risks

Risk reductionPlanningRehearsal (Exercise)Community

education

Disaster RiskDisaster Risk is frequently calculated as:

Risk = Hazard X Vulnerability

Hazard: threat; the frequency of potential adverse eventFrequency of a hurricane hitting Florida = 1.4

per yearVulnerability: likelihood of adverse outcomes

Concentrations of populations in flood plainsSocio-economic vulnerability, urbanization

Disaster Preparedness Reduces Disaster RiskMethods of risk

reductionPrevention

Transportation safetyIndustrial standards

Limit adverse effectsMitigation: Improve

structures in seismic area

Improve Disaster Preparedness

RespondFirst Responders

Fire, Police, MedicalOrder on chaos

CoordinationCommand structure

Decontamination?Chemical, Biological,

RadiologicalPersisting threats?

Secondary deviceSearch and rescue

RecoveryShort term – days to

weeksClean upEssential servicesPsychological support

Long term – months to yearsRebuild

Preparedness CyclePlan

Organize, Train & Equip

Exercise

Evaluate & Improve

Capability

Building

PlanCollect and analyze

dataWhat crises have

occurred?What was the

result?Develop laws,

policies, plans and proceduresGeneral “all

hazards”Specific threatsNational, local

levels need to be aligned

Organize, Train and EquipOrganize

Leadership and teams

Triage, Treatment, Decontamination, Evacuation, etc.

Train: Individuals and teamsPerformance

standardsEquip: Depend on

size, roles

Exercises

Exercises

Test plans – identify gaps

Improve proficiencyFamiliarize with

plansFamiliarize with

rolesAssess performanceValidate certification

ExercisesImprove

coordinationImprove

communicationIdentify risks for

reductionLow risk

environmentTable top exercisesLive exercises

Table Top ExercisesAdvantages:No need for equipmentNot effected by weatherTest plans for gapsGain experience with

roles and responsibilities

Practice coordination and communication

Those without experience learn from those with experience

Disadvantages:Lose effect of time &

spaceNo experience

operating equipmentRisk unrealistic

solutions

Live ExercisesAdvantages:More realistic

experienceExposure to

weather, terrainDisadvantages:ExpenseTime lost from workImpact of weather

Community involvementWorkplace exercises

Fire responseEvacuation

School drills – shelter, active shooter

Test emergency warning – sirens, radio/television announcements

City evacuation routes

Evaluate and ImproveReview actions after exercise

Were there situations not adequately covered in plan?

Was there adequate resources – protective equipment, food stocks?

Correct plans, resources, training as neededThere will be another opportunity – if it is a

real disaster, be ready!

Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program

A standardized methodology and terminology for exercise design, development, conduct, evaluation, and improvement planning

Policy & guidanceOnline training coursesTools & technologyTechnical assistance

https://hseep.dhs.gov/pages/1001_HSEEP7.aspx

Summary3 Phases to a disaster

Prepare, Respond, RecoverRisk = Hazard X VulnerabilityPreparedness Cycle: Plan

Organize, Train & Equip

Exercise

Evaluate & Improve

Summary: ExercisesTest plans – identify

gapsImprove proficiency

Familiarize with plans

Familiarize with roles

Assess performanceValidate certification

Improve coordination

Improve communication

Identify risks for reduction

Low risk environment

Table top exercisesLive exercises

Questions?