Medical Consequence Modeling: Working with HHS and other stakeholders, IEM built a state-of-the-art bioterrorism response and consequence model that predicts medical demand and casualties associated with response to twelve priority bioterrorism agents. The model estimates countermeasure impacts on disease progression. In generating its results, the model accounts for surveillance and detection, official decision-making processes, response mobilization throughput and capacity, expected public behavior, countermeasure efficacy, and other variables.
Analysis of Healthcare Infrastructure Vulnerabilities: For HHS, IEM analyzed infrastructure vulnerabilities of healthcare systems in three states. This analysis identified how failure of one or more critical infrastructure systems (power, water, transportation resources, etc.) may reduce the healthcare system’s ability to provide complex patient care, even if the healthcare system loses only part of its operational capability.
Analysis of Healthcare Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: For HHS, IEM examined the vulnerabilities of a regional healthcare system’s medical supply chain. The study identified susceptibilities to failure, such as an interruption in the supply chain stream.
Mass Casualty Incident (MCI)/Mass Fatality Incident (MFI) Planning: Through FEMA’s Technical Assistance program, IEM conducted multiple workshops to help state, regional, and local organizations prepare for mass casualty and mass fatality incidents. These workshops focused on developing strategies for responding to an MCI/MFI scene, coordinating response efforts of emergency medical services, hospitals, law enforcement, and nongovernmental organizations, and providing services to families and friends of victims.
Pandemic Flu Planning: IEM has developed pandemic flu plans for jurisdictional Emergency Management Agencies and multiple FEMA Regions. These plans include matrices that enable quick, coordinated response actions across all levels of government and private industry.
Healthcare Plan Reviews: IEM conducted plan reviews and individual interviews with state and local health providers as part of a Nationwide Plan Review mandated by the President after Hurricane Katrina. We reviewed plans for surge support, staffing, distribution of supplies and medications, sheltering of populations with access and functional needs, and other critical emergency preparedness elements.
Healthcare COOP/BCP Assessments: IEM has conducted COOP/BCP capability assessments for multiple hospitals. We have developed a healthcare-specific assessment tool that incorporates regulatory requirements with established federal guidelines. We use this tool to help hospitals identify areas that need additional focus, such as supply chain management, delegation of authority, and identification of essential functions.
Bioterrorism Exercises: IEM developed and conducted bioterrorism preparedness training and tabletop exercises for state officials. We also updated curricula to address preparedness and response issues in the event of a pandemic influenza outbreak. IEM has conducted seminars for officials in states including Ohio, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Connecticut, Washington, West Virginia, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Arizona, and Utah.
Healthcare Capabilities Assessments: IEM has conducted statewide healthcare capabilities assessments, working closely with each state’s public health, hospital, emergency medical, emergency management, and first responder personnel. Healthcare assessments include measuring progress against established target capabilities and HHS grant elements, such as patient tracking, bed tracking, medication stockpile/distribution, Medical Reserve Corp, and more.
