[W1SMH] Re: W1SMH Digest, Vol 31, Issue 2

[EnviroCop1 at aol.com]

In
 
In the event of a catastrophic  public health- or terrorism-related event, 
such as an influenza pandemic or the  detonation of a nuclear device, there are 
likely to be tens of thousands of  victims whose needs will overwhelm the 
resources of a community’s health care  system. In such a dire scenario as a mass 
casualty event (MCE), it will be  necessary to allocate scarce resources in a 
manner that is different from usual  circumstances yet appropriate to the 
situation. Making optimal decisions  concerning the allocation of scarce resources 
could make a difference in the  degree to which health care systems continue 
to function – and in saving  countless lives. 
Many stakeholders play essential roles in ensuring  that MCE preparedness 
plans exist within their own jurisdiction, region, or  health care delivery 
system. These stakeholders include policymakers, planners,  and other 
decisionmakers at the Federal, State, regional, and local levels;  program administrators; 
health system decisionmakers; and health care providers.  To be effective in 
their planning efforts, such entities need to be aware of the  latest research, 
tools, and models  available.
 
care providers. To  be effective in their planning efforts, such entities 
need to be aware of the  latest research, tools, and models available.
, and models available.  
AHRQ, in collaboration with the Office of Public Health  Emergency 
Preparedness, has coedited a community planning guide, which contains  a wealth of vital 
information, tools, and strategies that will help local  jurisdictions 
prepare their plans for how to respond to an  MCE. 
Recognizing the significance of these issues, AHRQ has  expanded its 
Bioterrorism Preparedness Research portfolio to focus on materials  and resources for 
planning the allocation of scarce resources during times of  MCEs. AHRQ is 
hosting this free Web conference to share research strategies,  tools, and 
resources to help State and local planners identify and prepare as  best possible in 
the event of a public health emergency. 
About the Program
This AHRQ-sponsored Web conference, by presenting an  overview of the 
community planning guide, will provide planners at the  institutional, State, and 
Federal levels with valuable insights and information  that will help them plan 
for and respond to a Mass Casualty Event (MCE).  Effective advance MCE planning 
also will help ensure the provision of the most  appropriate standards of 
care possible under the circumstances. The Web  conference will focus on the 
specific circumstances communities likely would  face as a result of an MCE and 
the key principles and critical organizational  structures to be incorporated 
into MCE planning. 
More specifically, panelists will: 
    *   Discuss the pressing issues that need to be addressed  in terms of 
Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the first responders in the case  of an MCE. 
Highlights of specific issues that planners need to consider to  maximize EMS 
response capacity will be presented, as will strategies and tools  for 
successful EMS MCE planning.  
    *   Present an overview of the recommended systems and  processes for 
planning and implementing the allocation of scarce hospital and  acute care 
resources during an MCE. Recommendations regarding the development  of integrated 
and coordinated systems of response and ways to make the  operational decisions 
for stretching and allocating scarce resources in the  event of an MCE will 
be presented.  
    *   Examine the different types of Alternative Care Sites  that may need 
to be established during an MCE if hospitals and other  traditional venues for 
health care services are rendered inoperable. The  critical issues and 
decisions regarding the location, establishment, and  operation of these sites will 
be examined.  
    *   Address the overarching MCE planning issue of  palliative care – how 
to provide optimal support for the dying, those facing  life-limiting illness 
or injury, and those caring for them. Ways to integrate  palliative care into 
all aspects of MCE planning and response activities will  be discussed.  
    *   Highlight the myriad challenges across the spectrum  of health care 
and essential services that community planners will need to  consider in having 
to allocate scarce resources as a result of a flu pandemic.  
Intended Audience
This Web conference will be of value to a wide audience,  including: 
    *   State, local, and regional officials and policymakers  responsible 
for making decisions or administering programs related to MCE  planning and 
preparedness  
    *   Preparedness planners developing strategies for  mobilizing community 
resources to address the community needs in response to a  public health 
emergency  
    *   Emergency management services (EMS) and disaster  preparedness of
ficials  
    *   Clinicians and health care systems  administrators.