Initial Planning Conference [Date] [Exercise Name] Initial Planning Conference [Date]

Welcome & Introductions

Today’s Goals Initial Planning Conference Review exercise program Discuss exercise process, structure, participation, and documentation Propose and discuss design objectives Select scenario venue and variables Discuss support requirements

Exercise Overview

Full-Scale Exercise Field response exercise [Insert a description of the type of exercise being conducted. This slide is an example of a description for a Full-Scale Exercise.] Field response exercise Response groups across the functional spectrum (Incident Command, Fire, Bomb Squad, Law Enforcement, HazMat, EMS, Dispatch, Hospitals, Medical Examiner, Public Affairs) Focuses on initial response Multiple events Individual and team tasks First hours of local response No-inspection, no-fault, learning environment Based on design objectives selected by community

Focus of Design Objectives [The following are examples of design objectives for an operations-based exercise focusing on a chemical attack. Design objectives should be catered meet the needs of each individual exercise.] Sample Objectives: Hazard Assessment / Protective Actions Incident Command / Unified Command Communication Decontamination Issues Life Safety / Law Enforcement Integration Secondary Devices Agent Identification Patient Management / Hospital Preparedness Equipment Capabilities / Requirements

Exercise Participants

Participants Responders State / Federal Emergency Management [Include organizations that are involved with the Emergency Management aspect of the exercise (Mayor’s Office, Public Affairs)] Responders [Include the departments, agencies, and any other sources that may provide responders to an incident (Fire, EMS, Police)] Mutual Aid [Include any mutual aid assets available (Regional Response Assets, Mutual-Aid Agencies)] State / Federal [List agencies that would be involved in a terrorist incident (FBI, DHS, EPA)]

Hospital Participation [Include if applicable to the exercise design] Allows focus on first responder – hospital integration Requires extra logistical support Pool of “victim” actors Transportation issues Coordinators for actors (1 per 30) Extra attention to tracking actors Special hospital orientation and debriefing

Actors Number sufficient to stress system Variety of symptoms Getting actors is the BIGGEST CHALLENGE

Observers and Media Observers Intended to observe field play No functional role Media Invited to observer / record field play Limit access to play area and escort

Exercise Design

Initial Response Pre-Staged versus Real Time Response

Exercise Staff Organization Lead Exercise Planner Exercise Controllers Exercise Evaluators Actors Exercise Support Staff

Exercise Controller Functions Lead Exercise Planner Final approval of exercise activities Monitors exercise progress and coordinates any required modifications Individual Controller Introduces, maintains, and coordinates exercise events in accordance with the MSEL Observes and reports exercise artificialities that interfere with realism

Sample Controller Staff Outline

Evaluator Functions Know the procedures for the element being evaluated Understand the exercise concept and scenario Cover each assigned organization / exercise area Inform controller of problems related to exercise design Observe, record, and report player actions Ensure collection of all evaluation data, evaluation forms, and materials after the exercise

Sample Evaluator Staff Outline

* Players may either wear badge or be in uniform Security and Badging - Victim - Controller - Evaluator * Players may either wear badge or be in uniform - Media - Observer - Player* - Support Staff

Weapons Policy Personnel not serving as exercise participants shall NOT carry a loaded weapon within the confines of the exercise play area. They may continue to carry their weapon only after it has been properly cleared and rendered safe (i.e., no ammunition in chamber, cylinder, breach, or magazines) and only after being marked or identified in a conspicuous manner (i.e., bright visible tape around the visible stock or holster). Personnel providing exercise site security may carry loaded weapons

Documentation ExPlan Provides administrative details of exercise Does not give operational details or scenario information Reviewed at the Mid-term Planning Conference (MPC) Distributed prior to exercise

Documentation C / E Handbook Contains all information critical to the exercise Limited distribution Contains evaluation materials Reviewed at the Final Planning Conference (FPC) Distributed at pre-exercise briefing

Evaluation

Sample Evaluation Format Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Target Areas Notification and response Establishment / identification of Hazard Zones Personal Safety and Protection Initiation of Decontamination Procedures Agent Detection and Identification Evaluation Aspects Properly Outfitted for Entry Proper Identification Equipment and Utilization Entry Team Rotation Utilization of Mutual Aid Resources Sample Question: Did the initial responding units recognize a HazMat situation and request proper assistance?

Debriefings Responder Hot Wash Controller / Evaluator Debrief

Support Requirements

Exercise Support Requirements Briefing Rooms / Moulage Room (if needed) Communications Network and Hardware Human Needs Water Restrooms Real Emergency Requirements

Site Maps and Aerial Recon [Insert maps and aerial photographs of the exercise site and surrounding area] Site Maps Aerial Recon

After Action Report / Improvement Plan Distribution Local Community Federal Partners Purpose Document Controller / Evaluator observations Provide Feedback Pass on lessons learned Objectives Recommendations Observations Innovations After Action Report

Today’s Tasks

Sample Action Items Maps of site Identify tasks / responsibilities for the Mid-term Planning Conference (MPC)

Future Planning Conferences Mid-term Planning Conference (MPC) [Date] Continue Planning Process Scenario Development Exercise Support Requirements Site Visit Review Exercise Plan (ExPlan)

Future Planning Conferences Final Planning Conference (FPC) [Date] Finalize Exercise Plans Scenario Timeline Support Needs / Logistics Review Controller / Evaluator Handbook

Closing