Recognition and Initial Response to Suspected SARS: A Tabletop Exercise for Local Communities

Topic: 
Infectious Disease & Immunization
Format: 
Exercises and Drills
Time: 
Varies
University: 
University of Washington
PERLC: 
Northwest PERLC
Description: 

This tabletop exercise allows public health workers and their local emergency response counterparts to gain skills in recognizing and responding to suspected SARS cases. This exercise is also relevant for other natural, travel-related infectious diseases, such as pandemic influenza, and many of the same issues would come into play in the event of a bioterrorist event. The exercise emphasizes policy issues as well as operational procedures relevant to incident command systems. Isolation and quarantine issues are not discussed, since the exercise scenario emphasizes recognition and initial response to suspected SARS cases.

Learning Objectives: 
  • Identify your organization's current strengths and gaps in recognizing and responding to suspected SARS cases, with specific attention paid to policies, resources, communication, and coordination issues
  • Review and list the roles, plans, and procedures involved in responding to suspected SARS cases
  • Develop or improve plans for the initial recognition and response of SARS that foster collaboration and communication within and across agencies
PHEP Capabilities: 
Community Preparedness