HHS Hurricane Playbook: from Response to Recover
http://www.hhs.gov/disasters/discussion/planners/playbook/hurricane/index.html
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) has posted online its Hurricane Playbook (ESF-8 Hurricane Response), the first in a series designed to “outline key options and recommended actions to support the HHS Secretary in directing and coordinating the HHS Emergency Support Function (ESF) #8, Public Health and Medical Services, response to disasters and other large scale emergencies.” The playbooks’ primary focus is to enhance the preparedness for response and the transition to recovery (including alert, activation, deployment, and deactivation/demobilization of Federal resources).
It is hoped that state and local planners will use the playbooks to gain an understanding of the ways in which federal resources can be used in support of ESF #8 activities. The playbook employs a scenario that is based on the 2006 and 2007 Atlantic hurricane seasons and reflects consequences of and lessons learned from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
As this and further playbooks are published, clinicians involved in emergency preparedness may wish to peruse them to learn about the federal government’s strategy for public health and medical responses to disasters. Increasingly, hospitals and other healthcare institutions will be expected to organize their preparedness and response activities in compliance with these principles.
