EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Emergency Management: Training and Disaster Preparedness

Introduction

From the onset, it would be prudent to note that human societies have become increasingly complex as well as vastly connected. It therefore follows disasters and emergencies that are human induced and those that happen to be natural could wreck more widespread havoc today than was the case a few decades ago. This is more so the case in relation to disease outbreaks. Towards this end, the relevance of disaster preparedness cannot be overstated. This text concerns itself with disaster preparedness and more specifically focuses on the relevance of a wide range of factors in preparedness efforts. It should be noted that disease outbreaks have in this case been selected as an ideal disaster in contemporary settings. This is more so the case given that at present, we are in the middle of a pandemic that has affected millions of people from across the world with fatalities estimated to be in excess of 5 million persons. It therefore follows that insights garnered from this particular discussion could be used to further or shape present discussions about better strategies in relation disaster preparedness in disease outbreak scenarios.

New Approach

Disaster preparedness, in the words of Reilly and Markenson (2019), consists of a set of measures undertaken by governments, organizations, communities or individuals to better respond and cope with the immediate aftermath of a disaster, whether it be human-made or caused by natural hazards (211). As the authors in this case further point out, the focus on this front happens to be decreasing the number of casualties if, and when, the disaster actually takes place. Other goals and objectives of disaster preparedness include, but they are not limited to; prevention of wastage in terms of resource deployment in times of disaster, prevention of loss of livelihood, etc.

There are various disaster preparedness models and frameworks that have been suggested in the past. Most of these, as Khan, OSullivan, Brown, Tracey, Gibson, Henry and Schwartz (2018) indicate have been developed in the US. For this reason, the authors are of the opinion that the said frameworks might not work as effectively in other settings with substantially different health systems and governance structures (Khan, OSullivan, Brown, Tracey, Gibson, Henry and Schwartz, 2018, p. 71). For this reason, a new approach that has universal application should be explored. Having in place an effective and practical model or framework is crucial to minimize the impact of disaster. An ideal approach, as available literature indicates, ought to bring on board diverse aspects of preparedness. Thus, it should accurately define what preparedness means or entails.

It is also important to note that as Desborough, Dykgraaf, Philips, Wright, Maddox, Davis, and Kid (2021) point out, there are numerous lessons that we could learn from the COVID-19 pandemic about not only disaster response, but also preparedness. Both of these disaster cycle phases were largely suboptimal in some scenarios. It is on the strength of this assertion that I submit that there is a need for a new approach to address a wide range of aspects related to disaster preparedness in relation to disease outbreaks. The approach should embrace the fact that preparedness efforts are deployed prior to the occurrence of a disaster and should be founded or rooted upon not only the identification of the disaster deemed likely, but also the informed assessment of the likelihood of the said disaster occurring. The approach selected in this case is not only concise, but also all-inclusive in the sense that it takes into consideration the relevance of stakeholders in preparedness efforts. The key steps of the said approach have been discussed in greater detail below;

1. Risk Identification

This could be accomplished via the application of situational awareness concepts which in simpler terms could be referred to as knowledge about the potential risks. This is especially important so as to ensure that resources are directed at only those risks that have a high likelihood of occurring. In the realm of disease outbreaks (i.e. pandemic outbreaks) Lee, Cleare, and Russell (2010) point out that risk awareness relates to the outlook with regard to infectious disease threats that are ongoing or potential. This could be accomplished via engagement in diverse surveillance undertakings. Thus, the key focus on this front could be the identification of if and where outbreaks could occur, as well as why they are likely to occur.

Models could be developed to explore possible pandemics with data in this case being sourced from a wide range of sources including, but not limited to; healthcare institutions, government agencies, and the relevant NGOs. Situational awareness is instrumental as it would be inappropriate to prepare for an influenza subtype, only to be faced with a viral hemorrhagic fever. It should, however, be noted that this should not be taken as a cue to ignore other possible risks. Indeed, an all hazards approach would be most ideal on this front (Lee, Cleare, and Russell, 2010). However, given that resources are largely finite, the relevance of focusing on the most likely disaster scenarios cannot be overstated. An approach which in my opinion could come in handy in this endeavor is the utilization of a risk matrix. This is more so the case given that a risk matrix could be instrumental in attempts to highlight not only the likelihood of disease outbreak, but also the impact that such an outbreak could have. Both the likelihood of outbreak and impact could be categorized as; low, moderate, and high.

2. Vulnerability Assessment

This relates to the ability of healthcare facilities to effectively manage likely disease outbreak scenarios. This is more so the case with reference to operational, resource, as well as manpower potential. It also relates to how well systems are interconnected as well as the effectiveness of communication mechanisms in place. It is important to note that as Wapling and Sellwood (2016) point out, poor public health infrastructure is the main limitation and strategic disadvantage...…component should be based on the outcomes of the risk assessment. There is need to conduct an evaluation of the facilitys prevailing logistics system with an intention of identifying aspects of the same that need to be addressed or granted the relevant attention. This could be in relation to resource deployment mechanisms, equipment and supplies acquisition, etc. It is also important to note that in this case, there may be need to reach out to suppliers and formulate a Memorandum of Understanding in which case there is a commitment to avail the relevant items, equipment, and tools that are instrumental in disease spread control or prevention efforts. Further, strategies could be put in place to address potential personnel shortages as a consequence of any unexpected surge in the number of persons who require medical attention. This may also call for considerations to me made on how to acquire additional skilled staff if/and when they are needed. All these considerations, and especially the latter, should be made following the relevant risk assessments as well as vulnerability assessment.

Pitfalls

1. Failure to Forge Effective Collaborations

The formulation of effective strategies in relation to disaster preparedness and response calls for the development and nurturing of meaningful partnerships. Managing stakeholder expectations could, however, be a challenge on this front. It should also be noted that in this case, the time required to ensure that partnerships are strengthened could be severely limited.

2. Resources

Resources are finite. This is more so the case given that there are other institutional undertakings that compete for the very same resources. It therefore follows that there is the possibility that efforts like training and communication would be resource-starved.

3. Organization-Wide Support

Garnering the support and cooperation of everybody across the organization could be a challenge. This is particularly the case in those instances whereby staff at diverse levels are resistant to new ways of doing things.

4. Complexity

The formulation and implementation of a robust disaster preparedness approach could be a rather complex undertaking. This is especially the case given that this undertaking calls for; incorporation of many diverse functions, securing the cooperation of a multidisciplinary team, roping in of a wide range of stakeholders, and allocation of the relevant resources. Thus, the achievement of excellent coordination could be a challenge on this front.

Conclusion

In the final analysis, it would be prudent to note that the relevance of disease outbreak disaster preparedness cannot be overstated. This is more so the case given that efforts of this nature come in handy in attempts to reduce fatalities and associated disruptions to normal life. For this reason, disaster preparedness should be seen as a crucial phase in the disaster management cycle which includes other equally important phases such as mitigation, response, as well as recovery. In addition to highlighting diverse aspects of disaster preparedness, such as training and the need for collaboration, this text has also demonstrated that there indeed exists a need for the introduction of a new approach to addressing disease outbreaks. This is especially…