By MARKO BOURNE, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, January 30, 2013.
Joplin High School and Sandy Hook Elementary School both suffered devastating disasters - one natural and one manmade. In both cases, the residents rallied behind their schools and their communities to rebuild and recover. Lesson learned: From unexpected events, unexpected leaders often emerge who are both willing and able to lead their communities back to some form of "normal."
By ROBERT C. HUTCHINSON, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, August 17, 2022.
Although it may not have been readily apparent in early 2020, the federal government did have a comprehensive national strategy and implementation plan for a pandemic threat. Despite having these resources and knowledge, the United States was still unprepared to effectively respond to COVID-19. This article points out the preparedness gaps and the urgency to close them before the next major public health threat.
By ERIN VALENTINE, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, August 17, 2022.
Effective trainings are ones where the participants remember and later implement what they learned into their daily operations. Not everyone knows how they would respond in a true emergency. However, some trainings provide a more realistic glimpse into disaster scenarios than others. This first-hand account describes what it was like for one participant inside a hospital training facility.
By THOMAS P. RUSSO, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, August 08, 2012.
Having choices opens many opportunities for patients and responders as well as medical staff within the U.S. healthcare system. However, that benefit has led to complications in communications and the sharing of information. Healthcare coalitions are seeking better ways to meet daily operational goals while at the same time expanding the capabilities available to cope with emergency surges and mass-casualty incidents.
By SETH KOMANSKY, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, August 23, 2017.
First responders are often deployed to unique operating environments, which include large-scale special events with many participants and spectators: street festivals; road races or marathons; concerts; and sporting events. These environments require leadership to take a forward-thinking posture in the planning process to develop a strategy. It also relies on front-line personnel to execute tactics that vary from day-to-day operations.
By KESLEY RICHARDSON, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, August 10, 2022.
Emergency management professionals are regularly tasked with high-stress responsibilities, including political pressure, life safety concerns, vulnerable infrastructure, and community vulnerabilities. Three ways to reduce the risk of burnout and increase retention efforts are described in this article: lead with care, invest in psychological support, and look at the schedule.
By IAN PLEET, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, August 10, 2022.
Mass shootings have spurred agencies to shift from reactive to proactive measures to mitigate threats and their consequences. Tactical medicine plays a significant role in reducing deaths associated with active assailant incidents. This article explains how trained first responders with the correct equipment and the courage to use it can be on the scene, saving lives even before the attacker is subdued.
By THEODORE (TED) TULLY, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, May 02, 2012.
No matter what the Supreme Court decides on the constitutionality of the healthcare reform act, U.S. hospitals must prepare now for major changes in their planning, everyday operations, and both budgetary and personnel resources. Many of those changes may be costly. Most will be time-consuming and/or difficult to implement. But in the long term, almost all will benefit - the hospitals themselves, their medical staff, and -most important of all - their patients.
By STEPHEN GRAINER, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, May 15, 2013.
The United States already has a national system in place that can help responders "manage" any disaster situation - both natural and manmade. By adapting and modifying the concepts and processes of the Incident Command System, large and small jurisdictions alike can easily incorporate several categories of specialized response teams into complex response efforts.
By RUTH BAUGHER PALMER, MARY MCNAUGHTON-CASSILL & MARY SCHOENFELDT, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, August 03, 2022.
Disasters are often described in terms of the physical damages they incur. However, the significant impact on mental health, which can have even longer-term consequences, sometimes is not addressed until after the response phase of the disaster is complete. This article explains the importance of immediately and simultaneously addressing both the physical and psychological effects of an event.
