The entire purpose of preparedness is building the capacity to respond effectively to disasters.  We do this by exercising.  The cycle of planning, training and exercising (responding) is the goal of the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) cycle.  This consortium aligns with HSEEP required policies and protocols.  This is an example of an evidence-based best practice of Performance Management thru Quality Improvement.

Consortium members will be led through the Exercise Design Process as determined by HSEEP.  Local, regional, and state coalition partners will be utilized when appropriate.  We will follow the Tiered Response Plan as exercise guidelines to ensure a realistic approach to mutual aid and other necessary response partnerships.



WWPHRC worked with the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, Eau Claire City-County Health Department, and Eau Claire Emergency Management to run a Closed POD Exercise for UW Eau Claire nursing students. 

Exercises for Budget Period 1 will focus on coalition wide participation, to include our new partners in long-term facilities, home health, and other agencies that fall under the new CMS Preparedness requirements.  The date has been set for the exercise. April 25th, 2018 from 10am-3pm at WITC in Rice Lake. 

The following are the CDC identified capabilities that would be utilized in either a response or recovery role;

RESPONSE CAPABILITIES

3. Emergency Operations Coordination

4. Emergency Public Info and Warning

5. Fatality Management

6. Info Sharing

7. Mass Care

8. Medical Countermeasures Dispensing

9. Medical Material Managment and Distribution

10. Medical Surge

11. Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions

12. PH Lab Testing

13. PH Surveillance and Investigation

14. Responder Safety and Health

RECOVERY CAPABILITIES

2. Community Recovery

Locally, here is the suggested hierarchy for building and participating in exercises;

1. Work with local Emergency Management

2. Work with local coalition partners

3. Work with area coalition partners

4. Work with regional (HERC 1) partners

Consortium staff are always able to assist with local exercise design needs.  Contact Brittany for support.