TS11 ON‐SHORE MASS CASUALTY DISASTER RESPONSE: LESSONS FOR AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

Abstract

“Hurricane Katrina – Unorganized, unprepared and internationally embarrassed” Despite well defined, pre-exisiting organizational plans and national response strategies, Hurricane Katrina exposed major weaknesses in the ability of a region or nation to respond to a tragedy of significant magnitude. Significant lessons were learned from the event. Must have in place: • A national and regional disaster response plan – A “Chain of Command / Responsibility” Doctrine • A national and regional disaster response system • National, regional and local “Incident Command” structures • Emergency supply stockpiles • Pre-established communication frequencies Major considerations: • Make this a military function – make all civilian agencies report to them – Military has the comm, logistics, command structure, personnel and the training to take on this mission. • Train for an event at regional and national levels • Cross train all responders • Eliminate the red tape at the front end of the event – Mobilize and “do it”