Emergency Preparedness Program Research Articles

Beyond Chinese Spy Balloons: Why We Need to Teach East Asian Studies in U.S. Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Programs

Abstract This article argues for the inclusion of more East Asia-focused content, particularly regarding China and North Korea, in homeland security and emergency preparedness (HSEP) undergraduate curricula. It contends that current programs overemphasize the post-9/11 counterterrorism paradigm while neglecting state-level threats, especially from China as an ascendant geopolitical rival. China poses multifaceted challenges through cyberattacks, intellectual property theft, economic coercion, and potential military contingencies, such as invading Taiwan. North Korea's nuclear program and cyber activities also jeopardize U.S. homeland security. To prepare future professionals, the article recommends adding a “state actor threats” core subject matter area covering the histories, cultures, and political dynamics underlying these nations’ antagonistic policies. Cultivating deeper cultural competency about U.S. strategic competitors in East Asia is crucial for bolstering national security. Holistic education reform is needed to align HSEP programs with contemporary global geopolitical realities beyond traditional terrorism subjects.

Implementation of Emergency Preparedness and Response-Rapid Team Program in Niger

<i>Introduction:</i> The WHO’s prompt declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) shepherded an effective coordinated response to contain the epidemic. <i>Objective:</i> The aim of this study is to describe the experiences, challenges, and lessons learned during the Implementation of Emergency Preparedness and Response-Rapid Response Team (EPR-RRT) program. <i>Method:</i> The study used mixed methods approach quantitative and qualitative data from a literature review of WHO AFRO coordination mechanisms and the Niger Public Health Emergency Operational Centre (PHEOC). The study was conducted in the National Public Health Emergency Operational Centre (PHEOC) of Niger during 12 months from September 2022 to September 2023. <i>Results:</i> The implementation of this program began with the evaluation of Niger's capacities and capacity building of teams to prepare, detect and respond to public health emergencies within 24 hours of an alert. The team of multi-disciplinary and multi-sector experts was identified and selected and trained on series of modules training. The team is composed of a total of 50 experts from 6 ONE HEALTH sectoral ministries. The average age is 49.94 (±5.9) years with extremes ranging from 33 to 56 years. The sex ratio is 0.35. The team have acquired the experience of being deployed in 4 regions of the country, 6 districts as part of the response to 6 public health events. <i>Conclusion:</i> The rapid response team has made it possible not only to acquire the technical and operational skills, financial, human and logistical capacities to respond rapidly when a public health emergency occurs.

Influence Of M&E Training On Sustainability Of Disaster Emergency Preparedness Program In Uasin Gishu County

Influence Of M&E Training On Sustainability Of Disaster Emergency Preparedness Program In Uasin Gishu County

Testing of a self-learning, demonstration, and preceptorship model on nurses for pediatric COVID-19 preparedness

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to develop and test a teaching and learning model in clinical nursing education to integrate the key concepts of self-learning, demonstration (simulation – zone I) and preceptorship (SDP). Coronavirus disease has affected adults and a significant proportion of children globally. All nurses must know the stabilisation and management of children affected by coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Materials and Methods: A paediatric nursing emergency preparedness program for COVID-19 of 8 days duration was developed with the help of a team of 42 medical and nursing experts. The training program was conducted for 300 nurses using a SDP model with a blended learning approach. The effectiveness of the SDP model was evaluated using a one-group pre-test and post-test design in terms of change in knowledge and self-confidence of the participants. Feedback from the participants, experts and preceptors about the program and teaching methodology was obtained at the end of the training program. Results: The mean gain in knowledge (12.57 ± 2.96 vs. 16.36 ± 4.26, P < 0.001) and self-confidence scores (84.08 ± 18.20 vs. 106.65± 9.86, P < 0.001) after the training program were statistically significant. The overall mean preceptors rating of the participants in various observed skills was 55.88 ± 15.21 with the majority of observations graded as competent. All the experts, preceptors and participants were satisfied with the training program. Conclusion: The SDP model using a blended learning approach was effective in improving the knowledge and self-confidence of the nurses in managing children with COVID-19. It can be used to train nurses in both technical and non-technical skills in patient care areas.

Impact of a pediatric nursing emergency preparedness program for COVID on Nurses’ knowledge, skills and confidence

Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) mainly affects adults and the proportion of children with COVID 19 illness has remained low although it is showing an increasing trend with each wave of the pandemic. This article reports the impact of a pediatric nursing emergency preparedness program on COVID-19 (PNEPPCO) on the knowledge and confidence of nurses in a tertiary hospital. Methods: A selected number of common pediatric nursing skills that could be likely to be useful for care of children with COVID 19 illness were earmarked for the content of the training program. The training methodology consisted of a self-learning phase for 5 days, skill demonstration and practice for one day, and a preceptorship phase in the pediatric clinical area for 2 days. A total of 300 nurses were trained. Results: The mean age of the participants was 32.1±6.5 years. A majority (68.1%) of them was female and had a bachelor’s degree in nursing (68.1%). Most of them (85.1%) didn’t have prior experience of working in pediatric areas. There was a significant improvement in the level of knowledge (12.57±2.96 vs. 16.36±4.26, p=0.001) and confidence (p=0.001) in performing pediatric skills among the participants after the training program. Conclusions: The use of a multifaceted training methodology led to improvement in knowledge and skills in managing sick children among nurses. Building the nurses’ capacity to face new challenges in the near future will boost their morale and ensure that the quality of patient care stays uncompromised even during crisis situations.

Public Health Emergency Preparedness: Qualitative Analysis of After-Action Reports.

After-Action Reports (AARs) are retrospective summaries that capture key information and lessons learned from emergency response exercises and real incidents. The AAR is a commonly used evaluation tool used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) program. It is used as a metric of accountability and awardee performance. The objectives of this study were to qualitatively analyze AARs of public health preparedness programs and develop a coding scheme for standardizing future review and analysis of AARs. We evaluated 14 AARs (4 exercises and 10 real incidents) generated between 2012 and 2018. We applied inductive qualitative analyses using ATLAS.Ti software. While, previous exercises focused on medical countermeasure responses, real-world incidents focused on natural disasters and infectious disease outbreaks. Six overarching themes emerged: Communications, Coordination, Resource Distribution, Unified Planning, Surveillance, and Knowledge Sharing. A standardized analysis format is proposed for future use.

Influence of Monitoring and Evaluation Capacity Building on Sustainability of Disaster Emergency Preparedness Program in Uasin Gishu County

Disasters have become a typical occurrences all around the globe. Certainly, their frequency has grown as economic growth, technological sophistication, and vulnerability to disadvantaged groups has risen. Natural calamities are predicted to cause the deaths of one million people worldwide per decade. There is minimal evidence that M&E of disaster response operations leads to better results in terms of more effective practice. As such, the aim of this research will be to determine the influence of monitoring and evaluation capacity building on sustainability of disaster emergency preparedness program in Uasin Gishu County. This study adopted theory of Sustainability. This study used an explanatory research design. Because of the limited number of workers, a census survey will be used; this research target population will be 52 workers of the Disaster Emergency Preparedness Program and M&E in Uasin Gishu County. Questionnaires was used to collect data. Data analysis process will begin with questionnaire editing. Collected data were coded into Statistical package for social science (SPSS) for analysis. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, percentages, means and standard deviations were calculated, and data presented in form of tables. Inferential statistics used were regression model. The study findings revealed that M&E capacity building has a positive and significant effect on Sustainability of disaster emergency preparedness programs (β1=0.885, p=0.000<0.05). The study concluded that Disasters and emergencies impact population health, and their consequences can be mitigated by planning, exercises, and preparedness. Monitoring and evaluation are essential for the sustainability of projects, including disaster emergency preparedness programs. Therefore, it can be concluded that monitoring and evaluation have a positive influence on the sustainability of projects. It can help in preventing, preparing for, respond to, and recover from humanitarian emergencies and large outbreaks. The study recommends that there is need for establishment of coordinating mechanisms, planning, financing, and implementing strategies to ensure the program’s sustainability. Developing a monitoring and evaluation framework that includes clear indicators to measure the program’s effectiveness and sustainability.

Strategies for China’s Historic Districts Regeneration in Responding to Public Health Emergencies

Most of China’s historic districts are located in urban centers with excessive building density and possess rich historical, cultural, scientific and aesthetic value. However, historic districts lack infrastructure and specific plans for emergency response compared to modern residential areas in cities, creating a social inequity trap for the residents in both. In addition, as valuable material cultural heritage, the usual conservation of local culture and the ecological environment conflict with anti-epidemic requirements. This study proposes a system of strategies for responding to public health emergencies that can address the above issues. Through the methods of policy refinement and the application of the concept of normal and disaster time conversion, the strategic system was constructed, including five major aspects: emergency preparedness programs at the planning level, installation of modulized variable devices, environmentally friendly health protection, disaster prevention preparation at the spatial level, and plant configuration. It is beneficial to improve the disaster prevention system for special urban communities and provide a reference for emergency planning in the future regeneration process of historic districts.

Implication on Nuclear/Radiological Incident Response Focusing on Interagency Coordination in the United States

A nuclear/radiological incident is known as a low-probability and high-impact disaster, yet it is catastrophic when it actually happens. Therefore intensive preparation for an effective response is required and many institutions and stakeholders are involved in the preparedness phase. This research is to examine the inter-agency coordination model on nuclear/Radiological incident response in the United States and aims to extract policy implications. In order to do so, the Nuclear/Radiological Incident Annex to the Response and Recovery Federal Interagency Operational Plan was studied with a focus on the interagency coordination program in the United States. This study reviewed the Federal Radiological Preparedness Coordinating Committee (FRPCC) and Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program (REPP) in the United States and examined the role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a lead entity for federal response activities for the nuclear/radiological event. This study suggests establishing a central government program to support local governments for radiological emergency preparedness activities and coordination efforts among stakeholders.

How Suboptimal Consolidation of Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic Can Teach Us to Do Better.

How Suboptimal Consolidation of Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic Can Teach Us to Do Better.

Cultural factors in livestock emergency management

Despite the institutionalisation of volcanic eruption early warning and response systems, casualties are still seen among local farmers who are reluctant to evacuate. Farmers may also prematurely return to their farms to save livelihoods and take care of animals. Case studies and media reports show the importance of understanding the cultural beliefs of residents when developing emergency plans. By reviewing literature from different scientific disciplines in relation to volcanic eruptions and livestock emergency preparedness, differences can be identified in the underlying risk and control paradigms, including the meaning given to volcanoes and livestock. Concurrently, livestock emergency preparedness approaches fall short of people-orientation. Using selected studies that consider these aspects, a people-centred and culture-sensitive framework to improve local learning and participation in emergency preparedness is offered. With disaster events becoming more frequent, participatory learning is useful to strengthen emergency management and preparedness programs.

Effectiveness of The Padang Pariaman Disaster Emergency Preparedness Program (Papa Sadar Bana) Call Center 112 in Disaster Management in Padang Pariaman Regency

This study discusses the importance of the role of Information Technology in dealing with disaster problems in the Padang Pariaman Regency. Public service innovation by the government that utilizes Information Technology, namely E-Government, Program (Papa Sadar Bana) Call Center 112, is expected to help the community in disasters. This study uses the Theory of Effectiveness by Primanda (2017), namely with indicators of Program Target Accuracy, Program Socialization, Program Objectives, and Monitoring to measure the effectiveness of a program. This study aims to describe and understand the program effectiveness (papa conscious call center 112) in Disaster Management in Padang Pariaman Regency. The method used in this research is qualitative research with descriptive methods—data collection techniques in this study by interview, observation, and documentation. Furthermore, the informants in this study were the Head of BPBD of Padang Pariaman Regency, secretary, Call Center Staff 112, PUSDALOPS, TRC TEAM, Head of Sub-Division for Reconstruction & Rehabilitation and the Community.

Public Health Strengths During the COVID-19 Response.

Public Health Strengths During the COVID-19 Response.

Creating a Sustainable and Reliable Emergency Preparedness Program to Promote Appropriate Health Care Resources Use.

Over the past decade, the number of natural disasters, health care emergencies, and epidemics has increased significantly. These unpredictable and sometimes devastating events tax already stretched health care systems. The goal of this process paper is to share the experience of a pharmacy school in the development and implementation of a sustainable emergency preparedness and response support network (EPRSN) using an established student government infrastructure to support information sharing among community pharmacies, state emergency response teams, and community members. There are more than 140 accredited pharmacy schools/colleges across the United States, employing more than 6,500 pharmacy faculty members and teaching more than 63,000 student pharmacists. The majority of schools/colleges provide free and volunteer-based health care services and collaborate with local, regional, and national entities, such as state boards of pharmacy and national and state professional pharmacy organizations. Student pharmacists are positioned across the country with reach to rural and underserved communities and have student organizational structures in place to manage student volunteers and support health care service opportunities. To address gaps in emergency and preparedness response, pharmacy students assessed and operationalized steps to develop the EPRSN. Pharmacies were identified and contacted by student pharmacists. Student leaders created student organization flowcharts and call charts with up-to-date pharmacist contact information. Organizational structure for collecting, capturing, updating, and sharing pharmacy data with state emergency response teams was developed and trialed. Student pharmacists represent a sustainable resource, uniquely positioned to identify community needs, support emergency efforts, coordinate with local pharmacies, and work with pharmacists and others to ensure that patients receive the care they need during pandemics and other emergencies.

Perceived safety and preparedness for active shooter incidents among undergraduate students

BackgroundActive shooter (AS) situations on school campuses have been a serious threat. Students play a significant role in the effectiveness of safety procedures in these situations. Evaluating student perceptions of preparedness and safety is important as schools implement AS preparedness policies. MethodsThis study was conducted at a private university in the United States of America (US). A total of 421 undergraduate students participated in a survey that asked about their perceptions of preparedness and safety at their University. The survey was sent to the students via email. Inferential statistics were utilized for data analyses. ResultsOver half of the students were aware of the locations of the AS guidelines, but a limited number of students were aware of the University resources. The more confident they felt to respond to AS events, the more susceptible they felt to AS events. The more they felt that the University was prepared and safe, the less they felt susceptible. The more they were confident in responding to AS events, the safer they felt. In addition, students' perception of safety depended on their perception of the University's preparedness, especially among those who felt that the University was susceptible. ConclusionsThe results indicated that students who were more involved in emergency preparedness activities had both a higher awareness of susceptibility and higher perceptions of preparedness and safety. Providing appropriate emergency preparedness programs may help students familiarize themselves with the resources and enhance their preparedness.

Emergency preparedness: What is the future?

Emergency preparedness programs have evolved over the last several decades as communities have responded to natural, intentional, and accidental disasters. This evolution has resulted in a comprehensive all-hazards approach centered around 4 fundamental phases spanning the entire disaster life cycle: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Increasing frequency of outbreaks and epidemics of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases in the last decade has emphasized the significance of healthcare emergency preparedness programs, but the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has tested healthcare facilities' emergency plans and exposed vulnerabilities in healthcare emergency preparedness on a scale unexperienced in recent history. We review the 4 phases of emergency management and explore the lessons to be learned from recent events in enhancing health systems capabilities and capacities to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from biological threats or events, whether it be a pandemic or a single case of an unknown infectious disease. A recurring cycle of assessing, planning, training, exercising, and revising is vital to maintaining healthcare system preparedness, even in absence of an immediate, high probability threat. Healthcare epidemiologists and infection preventionists must play a pivotal role in incorporating lessons learned from the pandemic into emergency preparedness programs and building more robust preparedness plans.

Current State of Mass Vaccination Preparedness and Operational Challenges in the United States, 2018-2019.

Mass vaccination is a crucial public health intervention during outbreaks or pandemics for which vaccines are available. The US government has sponsored the development of medical countermeasures, including vaccines, for public health emergencies; however, federally supported programs, including the Public Health and Emergency Preparedness program and Cities Readiness Initiative, have historically emphasized antibiotic pill dispensing over mass vaccination. While mass vaccination and pill dispensing programs share similarities, they also have fundamental differences that require dedicated preparedness efforts to address. To date, only a limited number of public assessments of local mass vaccination operational capabilities have been conducted. To fill this gap, we interviewed 37 public health and preparedness officials representing 33 jurisdictions across the United States. We aimed to characterize their existing mass vaccination operational capacities and identify challenges and lessons learned in order to support the efforts of other jurisdictions to improve mass vaccination preparedness. We found that most jurisdictions were not capable of or had not planned for rapidly vaccinating their populations within a short period of time (eg, 1 to 2 weeks). Many also noted that their focus on pill dispensing was driven largely by federal funding requirements and that preparedness efforts for mass vaccination were often self-motivated. Barriers to implementing rapid mass vaccination operations included insufficient personnel qualified to administer vaccinations, increased patient load compared to pill-dispensing modalities, logistical challenges to maintaining cold chain, and operational challenges addressing high-risk populations, including children, pregnant women, and non-English-speaking populations. Considering the expected availability of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccine for distribution and dispensing to the public, our findings highlight critical considerations for planning possible future mass vaccination events, including during the novel coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Assessment of environmental radioactive surface contamination from a hypothetical nuclear research reactor accident

The environmental surface contamination by radioactive elements following a nuclear research reactor hypothetical accident is evaluated employing the hotspot code, IAEA safety guide, and NRC guidelines. Gaussian plume depositions of radioactive contaminants are calculated under very conservative assumptions for a worst-case accident scenario, and site most probable wind speed and metrological conditions. Results reveal that the contamination strongly decreases with distance, dropping seven orders of magnitude from 2.2E+09 kBq/m2 at the reactor site to 9.5E+2 kBq/m2 60 km from the reactor at the plume centerline. In rainy weather, the wet deposition is depleted to 6.0E+2 kBq/m2 after 50 km, limiting the spread of contaminants to a much smaller area. Although the results of this work tend to overestimate the surface deposition of radionuclides, they present a clear insight into the radiological consequences of nuclear accident worst-case scenario. Thus, it assists with the development of a comprehensive emergency preparedness program by identifying all areas with potential risk to contamination.

The 2017 Hurricane Public Health Responses: Case Studies Illustrating the Role of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program - Erratum.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of State and Local Readiness (DSLR), Public Health Emergency Preparedness(PHEP) program funds 62 recipients to strengthen capability standards to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies. Recipients use these PHEP resources in addition to CDC's administrative and scientific guidance to support preparedness and response program planning and requirements. It is expected that public health agencies develop and maintain comprehensive emergency preparedness and response plans in preparation for disasters such as hurricanes. The 2017 historic hurricane season highlighted how emergency planning and collaborative operational execution is important for public health agencies to effectively prepare for and respond to both the immediate and long-term population health consequences of these disasters. In 2017, the southeastern United States (US) and US Caribbean territories experienced 3 Category 4 or higher Atlantic hurricanes (Harvey, Irma, and Maria) within a 5-week period. This paper highlights selected case studies that illustrate the contributions and impact of jurisdictional emergency management planning and operational capacity supported by capability standards during the 2017 hurricane season. Although the magnitude of the 2017 hurricanes required public health officials to seek additional assistance, the following case studies describe the use of public health preparedness systems and recovery resources supported by the PHEP program.

Knowing Your Team: Rapid Assessment of Residents and Fellows for Effective Horizontal Care Delivery in Emergency Events.

Horizontal care, in which clinicians assume roles outside of their usual responsibilities, is an important health care systems response to emergency situations. Allocating residents and fellows into skill-concordant clinical roles, however, is challenging. The most efficient method to accomplish graduate medical education (GME) assessment and deployment for horizontal care is not known. We designed a categorization schema that can efficiently facilitate clinical and educational horizontal care delivery for trainees within a given institution. In September 2019, as part of a general emergency response preparation, a 4-tiered system of trainee categorization was developed at one academic medical center. All residents and fellows were mapped to this system. This single institution model was disseminated to other institutions in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic began to affect hospitals nationally. In March 2020, a multi-institution collaborative launched the Trainee Pandemic Role Allocation Tool (TPRAT), which allows institutions to map institutional programs to COVID-19 roles within minutes. This was disseminated to other GME programs for use and refinement. The emergency response preparation plan was disseminated and selectively implemented with a positive response from the emergency preparedness team, program directors, and trainees. The TPRAT website was visited more than 100 times in the 2 weeks after its launch. Institutions suggested rapid refinements via webinars and e-mails, and we developed an online user's manual. This tool to assess and deploy trainees horizontally during emergency situations appears feasible and scalable to other GME institutions.