The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides a range of training and preparedness resources that can significantly enhance hospitals’ emergency response capabilities. These include specialized courses for health care professionals to provide essential knowledge and skills for managing various emergency situations.

Additionally, FEMA’s exercise and evaluation programs enable hospitals to develop and assess their emergency plans through realistic simulations. Online and in-person courses cover crucial topics in emergency management, ensuring that hospital personnel stay informed about best practices.

This collection of resources can empower hospitals to strengthen their emergency preparedness and response strategies, ultimately enhancing the safety of patients and staff during critical incidents.

• FEMA Notice to Applicants for FY 2013 NFA or EMI Courses
• FEMA Center for Domestic Preparedness Resident Training Healthcare / Noble Training Facility
• FEMA Homeland Security Exercise & Evaluation Program
• FEMA Emergency Management Institute (EMI)
• FEMA Training
• IS-800 Training

The National Incident Management System (NIMS) offers a structured, proactive approach for different government departments, agencies, non-governmental organizations, and businesses to collaborate effectively.

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The IS-800 course is available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s website. The course introduces participants to the concepts and principles of the National Response Framework.

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ICS Web Training Course (ICS-100, ICS-200 & IS-700)

The Hospital Preparedness Program requires hospitals that receive grant funding to train their leadership in the National Incident Management System and the Incident Command System. This training is required for hospital emergency program managers and for personnel who are likely to assume an incident command position as described in the hospital’s emergency management plan.

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Developed by UC San Diego Health System, this interactive tabletop exercise aims to enhance hospital preparedness for potential active shooter incidents. The exercise engages participants in a realistic scenario that promotes strategic discussions and decision-making regarding roles, communication strategies, and response protocols.

Outcomes include building collaboration among various departments, highlighting the importance of coordinated responses between security, administration, and emergency services. Following the simulation, facilitators lead a debriefing session to evaluate participants’ actions, identify strengths and weaknesses, and suggest improvements to existing emergency plans.

• Master Scenario Events List
• Injects A1 – A6
• Injects A8 – 9 1
• Injects A8 – 9 2
• Patient Role & Actor 1
• Patient Role & Actor 2
• Patient Role & Actor 3
• Patient Role & Actor 4
• Static Mannequin Actor
• Nature of Exercise Notice 1
• Nature of Exercise Notice 2
• Disclaimer of Recording

Hospitals must be prepared to respond to public health emergencies that may create a sudden demand on services. Disaster drills allow hospitals to test response capabilities to these emergencies in real time.

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Hospitals are required to conduct drills and exercises for accreditation and/or grant requirement(s).

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There are 7 types of exercises. Exercises are either discussion based, or operations-based. Discussions-based exercises familiarize participants with current plans, policies, agreements and procedures, or may be used to develop new plans, policies, agreements, and procedures.

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ShakeOut is an annual earthquake drill and preparedness activity that promotes earthquake preparedness and safety. Originating in Southern California in 2008, ShakeOut has since expanded to other regions and countries around the world.

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First implemented in 2004, Cal OES’ annual state-level exercise series has become the most comprehensive preparedness exercise program in the country. The annual exercise series is designed to assess emergency operations plans, policies, and procedures for all-hazards/catastrophic incidents at the local, regional, state, and federal levels.

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