Module 7 Medical Surge & Planning

Module 7

Medical Surge & Planning

In Module 7, we will look at medical surges & planning to include patient triage, transport, and tracking systems and the impact of patient surges on the community’s healthcare systems. We will study the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Medical Surge Planning document and how its elements can help a community prepare for the medical surge. Finally, we apply what we have learned by creating a plan detailing how your agency will handle a medical surge capacity situation.

Objectives

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

  1. Anticipate HazMat First Responder considerations for triage.
  2. Assess the factors that lead to a medical surge, overwhelming hospitals.
  3. Critique evidence collection/identification.

 Readings

Complete all of the required readings before moving on to the Learning Activities for this module.

CDC Medical Surge Plan Download CDC Medical Surge Plan

The CDC's Medical Surge Plan is designed to enhance the nation's ability to manage an influx of patients during public health emergencies. The plan outlines strategies for expanding healthcare capacity, coordinating resources, and prioritizing patient care. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration between healthcare facilities, government agencies, and community organizations. By providing a framework for effective response, the plan helps ensure that medical systems can maintain operations and provide care during overwhelming surges.

Emergency Medical Service Pandemic Surge Protocols Download Emergency Medical Service Pandemic Surge Protocols

The Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Pandemic Surge Protocols provide guidelines for managing increased demand for emergency medical services during a pandemic. These protocols focus on optimizing resource allocation, prioritizing patient care, and ensuring the safety of EMS personnel. They include strategies for triage, transport, and communication with hospitals. By following these protocols, EMS agencies can effectively respond to a surge in cases, minimize the impact on healthcare systems, and maintain critical emergency services during a pandemic.

Video

Watch all required videos before moving on to the Learning Activities for this module.

Medical Surge & Planning

Medical surge and planning are crucial components of emergency preparedness, ensuring that healthcare systems can effectively manage a sudden influx of patients during disasters or mass casualty incidents. This involves coordinating resources, expanding hospital capacities, and implementing triage systems to prioritize care. Effective surge planning also includes strategies for patient tracking, transportation, and communication across agencies. By having robust medical surge plans, communities can better respond to emergencies, minimizing loss of life and ensuring timely care.

05:36

 Transcript Download Transcript

Learning Activities

Review all required learning materials before completing the required learning activities for this module.

Medical Surge & Health System Capacity Paper

In this assignment, you will write a 3-5 page report to the Fire Chief detailing how your agency will manage a medical surge capacity situation.

Complete Assignment

Next Steps

Use the links under "Learning Activities" or the "Next" button below to continue to the next item in this module.