Applications of ICS/NIMS Training and Functions for the Emergency Operations Center Marsha Davenport, MD, MPH Nicole Brown, MS Cathy O’Neill, RN Sandra Gregory, JD Isaac Ajit, MD, MPH

OMB Disclaimer The findings and conclusions in this presentation are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Overview Background Purpose National Incident Management System DHMH Command Center Specific Roles and Responsibilities Discussion Summary Questions

Background The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH), Office of Preparedness and Response (OP&R) leads the public health emergency response for the State

Background DHMH Command Center Training was conducted for OP&R staff in preparation for the 2007 Statewide Pandemic Exercise

Purpose Needed to conduct training  Many new staff  Command Center has changed over time Using staff in new roles

Purpose Training Goals:  Goal 1: Provide overview of operational aspects of the DHMH Command Center  Goal 2: Expand knowledge of roles and responsibilities for the Command Center

Purpose: Goal 1 Workshop on setting up the DHMH Command Center Provide more specialized, hands on experience in future training Develop comfort level working in the Command Center

Purpose: Goal 2 Review the infrastructure needed to make the Command Center operational Understand the specific roles and responsibilities based on the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Develop expertise among the staff to operate the Command Center

Overview of National Incident Management System (NIMS) Provides a framework for managing an emergency Employs the incident management system which is based on successful business practices Allows personnel with varying backgrounds and skills to work together

NIMS Provides clear guidance for span of control 1:5 ratio (supervisor to staff) Follows a chain of command Unity of command

NIMS: Unified Command Allows agencies/jurisdictions with differing legal authorities to work together Agencies/jurisdictions share the responsibility for managing the incident

NIMS: Unified Command Could be useful when dealing with Multiple jurisdictions Single jurisdiction but there are multiple agencies involved

DHMH Command Center Set up for dual functions Incident Control Call Center/Enhanced Communications

DHMH Command Center Develop situation reports Brief the DHMH Leadership Liaison with Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and other State Agencies Work with public information officers (PIO) to develop the public messages

DHMH Command Center: Procedures Arrive at least 15 minutes earlier than assigned time With multiple shifts, there will be an overlap for staff Sign in and out

DHMH Command Center: Procedures Keep shift log of all activities Maintain other documentation as needed Respect the chain of command Function within your assigned Command Center role

DHMH Command Center: Procedures Communication, Communication, Communication Follow safety procedures Be aware of your personal needs

Roles and Responsibilities

Command Staff  Safety Officer  Information Officer  Liaison Officer General Staff  Operations Section  Planning Section  Logistics Section  Finance/Administ ration Section Roles and Responsibilities

Safety Officer Maintains the safety of all aspects of the DHMH Command Center  Physical safety  Food safety  Health and medical (expanded role) Can dismiss any member of the Command Center from duty as a safety precaution

Behavioral Health Officer Reports to the Safety Officer Assists Safety Officer as needed Monitors Command Center environment and staff for excessive stress levels Recommends staff take appropriate breaks

Communications Monitor status of all systems Web EOC Monitor HAN System Monitor other internal and external communication streams

Operations Intelligence and information gathering Monitor and evaluation of the incident Develop and implement control measures Provide technical expertise both internally and externally to the Command Center

Operations Expand section as needed: Epidemiology Strategic National Stockpile Cities Readiness Initiative Control Measures and Response Provision of Care

Discussion

Scenario A Food from the morning is still on the table and it is now almost 5 PM. Whose responsibility is it to monitor this? What should be done at this time?

Scenario B So many calls are coming into the Call Center the staff cannot keep up with the requests. How should this situation be handled? Who is responsible?

Scenario C The Incident Commander is making a reasonable request of a person assigned to the Planning Section. The person does not want to comply with the request or task. The person tries to pull rank because ordinarily she is the IC’s supervisor. How should this situation be handled?

Acknowledgements The Office of Preparedness and Response would like to acknowledge the contributions of the IT staff, the Emergency Management Team, and other DHMH staff who assisted in developing and conducting the DHMH Command Center Training. Thank you!