CHW EM - Module 4 - Emergency Mgmt Structure Video

Summary

In this module, Jennifer Harris, a doctorate student in public health, discusses the organizational structure of emergency management, starting at the federal level and focusing on Illinois. She explains the National Response Framework (NRF), which provides scalable and flexible guidance for all types of disasters, and highlights key systems like the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS). The module covers emergency support functions, emphasizing public health, and the structure for escalating responses from local to federal levels. The session concludes by discussing Illinois' emergency response plans and partnerships with public health agencies.

Takeaways

• 📋 The module focuses on emergency preparedness and management, tailored for community health workers, emphasizing federal and Illinois structures.
• 🇺🇸 Emergency management starts at the federal level with the National Response Framework (NRF), which is scalable and adaptable for different disaster sizes.
• 🏥 ESF (Emergency Support Functions) number 8 is primarily where public health and medical services fall, involving community health workers during emergencies.
• 👨‍🚒 ESF numbers also cover other areas like firefighting (ESF 4) and public safety (ESF 13), indicating the variety of roles in emergencies.
• 🔄 NIMS (National Incident Management System) and ICS (Incident Command System) guide how different levels of government and organizations coordinate during emergencies.
• 🚓 The ICS structure ensures that there is always an Incident Commander to coordinate emergency responses, whether at a local or federal level.
• ⚠️ The complexity of incidents ranges from Type 5 (small, local incidents) to Type 1 (large-scale disasters requiring federal intervention).
• 🏛️ Illinois follows a similar command structure, with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency leading state efforts and potentially escalating issues to the federal level.
• 🌪️ Disasters can escalate from local to federal involvement based on scope and resources required, starting with local responders and moving upward if necessary.
• 📣 The final module will focus on crisis communication during emergencies and additional resources for further emergency management training.

Q & A

What is the National Response Framework (NRF) and its purpose?

The National Response Framework (NRF) is a guide that helps the nation respond to all types of disasters and emergencies. It operates under an all-hazards approach and is designed to be scalable, flexible, and adaptable depending on the size and scope of the disaster.

How does the National Response Framework support local communities during emergencies?

The NRF is designed to assist communities by integrating continuity plans for recovery and response. It helps in areas such as stabilizing community lifelines, managing supply chains, and ensuring mutual aid agreements among neighboring counties, cities, or states.

What are Emergency Support Functions (ESFs), and which one typically applies to community health workers?

Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) are categories of resources and responsibilities used during a disaster response. Community health workers usually fall under ESF 8, which deals with Public Health and Medical Services.

What is the National Incident Management System (NIMS), and how does it relate to the NRF?

NIMS is a guide for coordinating efforts across government, non-government, and private sectors to prevent, protect, mitigate, respond to, and recover from disasters. It works within the NRF framework to ensure a coordinated approach to disaster management.

How is the Incident Command System (ICS) structured in an emergency response?

ICS is a standardized approach to command, control, and coordination of on-site incident management. It establishes a clear hierarchy, with an Incident Commander overseeing the response. The size of the command structure varies depending on the complexity and scale of the disaster.

What is the difference between a Type 5 and a Type 1 incident according to FEMA?

A Type 5 incident is small in scale, with limited individuals involved and short duration, usually handled at the local level. A Type 1 incident is the most complex, involving many people and a large geographical area, requiring federal involvement and multi-jurisdictional coordination.

How does the incident command system scale depending on the size of the disaster?

The ICS is designed to be scalable and flexible, meaning it can expand or contract depending on the size, complexity, and duration of the incident. For smaller incidents, fewer resources and personnel are required, while larger disasters require more extensive command structures and resource allocation.

How does Illinois' emergency management system operate in relation to the federal structure?

Illinois follows a similar structure to the federal model, with local responders taking initial control of incidents. Depending on the complexity, resources from the county, state, or federal levels can be activated. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) leads the state's efforts, coordinating with local and federal authorities as needed.

What role does the Illinois Department of Public Health play in emergency management?

The Illinois Department of Public Health works closely with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, particularly in areas of public health. While it doesn't lead emergency management efforts, it provides clinical information, resources, and support, particularly in public health-related emergencies.

How does a disaster declaration process work at the state and federal levels?

A disaster can be declared by either the state governor or the president. The governor's declaration typically addresses state-level emergencies, while the president's declaration is made for larger, federally recognized disasters, which triggers federal support and resources.