CHW EM - Module 1 - Intro and HVA Video

Summary

This presentation, led by Jennifer Harris, a doctorate student in public health, covers emergency preparedness and management for community health workers. It focuses on identifying local hazards, understanding social vulnerabilities, and exploring the four phases of emergency response: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. The training also highlights the importance of crisis communication, the incident management system, and the all-hazards approach to disaster preparedness. Key modules include hazard vulnerability analysis, emergency management phases, and organizational structures, with a focus on preparedness strategies for community health workers to better assist their clients.

Takeaways

• 📍 Emergency preparedness involves understanding local hazards and social vulnerabilities before planning activities.
• 🌍 It's essential to identify hazards specific to geographic locations to accurately assess risks and prepare effectively.
• 👥 Social vulnerabilities within populations impact how different groups experience and respond to emergencies.
• 🔄 The four phases of emergency management include mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, each with distinct activities.
• 🔧 An all-hazards approach to preparedness ensures that community health workers (CHWs) can handle diverse emergencies.
• 📊 Hazard Vulnerability Analysis (HVA) is a systematic method to identify potential risks that may impact communities.
• 🏢 The Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) combines local HVAs at state and federal levels to identify nationwide priorities.
• 🚨 Different hazards are categorized as natural, technical/accidental, and adversarial/human-caused, requiring varying preparedness plans.
• 🛠 Tools like the Kaiser Permanente HVA allow communities to quantify risks and prioritize preparedness based on probability and impact.
• 🗺️ Emergency management structures differ at county, regional, and state levels, requiring tailored response and communication strategies.

Q & A

What is the main objective of the training on emergency preparedness and management?

The main objective of the training is to educate community health workers on emergency preparedness and management, focusing on six specific objectives including hazard identification, understanding social vulnerabilities, and the phases of emergency response.

What are the six objectives of the emergency preparedness training?

The six objectives are: 1) Identifying hazards specific to geographic locations, 2) Describing social vulnerabilities in populations, 3) Explaining the differences between mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery phases, 4) Outlining disaster preparedness steps with an all-hazards approach, 5) Understanding the incident management system in the U.S., and 6) Understanding the importance of crisis and emergency risk communication.

What is a Hazard Vulnerability Analysis (HVA) and why is it important?

An HVA is a systematic approach to identifying hazards or risks that are most likely to impact a community. It's important because it helps prioritize the risks that require attention and preparedness in specific geographical areas.

What are the three categories of hazards mentioned in the training?

The three categories of hazards are: 1) Natural hazards (e.g., droughts, earthquakes, severe storms), 2) Technical or accidental hazards (e.g., biological, chemical spills, transportation incidents), and 3) Adversarial or human-caused hazards (e.g., armed assaults, cyber-attacks).

What is the difference between HVA and THIRA?

HVA focuses on hazards and risks at the local or organizational level, while THIRA (Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment) is a state-level process that aggregates HVAs to assess risks at a broader, national level.

How do different regions in Illinois assess hazards, and what variations exist?

Each of Illinois' seven Emergency Medical Service regions conducts an HVA. Different regions may prioritize hazards differently based on local risks. For example, some regions may rank active shooters as a higher priority, while others may focus on natural disasters like tornadoes or floods.

How does the Kaiser Permanente HVA tool work?

The Kaiser Permanente HVA tool assesses hazards by evaluating their probability, past alerts or activations, severity (human, property, business impact), and preparedness levels (internal and external response). It generates a relative threat score to help prioritize risks.

What are some key considerations for community health workers (CHWs) regarding emergency preparedness?

CHWs should consider what hazards can affect their community, the potential impacts on human life and property, and what resources and capabilities are needed to respond effectively, such as pre-planning, supplies, and mutual aid agreements.

How does the state of Illinois use HVA data for emergency preparedness?

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) collects HVAs from different regions and uses them to create a THIRA, assessing statewide risks and preparedness levels. The state uses this information to guide mitigation and preparedness efforts across counties.

Why is it important for CHWs to understand the social vulnerabilities of their communities?

Understanding social vulnerabilities is crucial because they can affect how different populations respond to hazards and emergencies. By recognizing these factors, CHWs can tailor preparedness and response efforts to meet the specific needs of vulnerable populations.