MODULE 7: The Basic Hazards and Protections-The Clinician’s Role in Emergency Planning

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Judith Green-McKenzie discusses the role of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Clinicians in emergency management and provides an overview of public health response to disasters. She emphasizes the importance of disaster preparedness as a core competency for occupational medicine professionals. Dr. Green-McKenzie defines emergencies as sudden, unexpected events that disrupt an organization's ability to provide care, while disasters are more complex events that overwhelm an organization's capabilities. She provides historical examples of public health emergencies, including droughts, earthquakes, and disease outbreaks, such as the Spanish flu and COVID-19. Dr. Green-McKenzie explains the incident command system (ICS), a standardized approach to emergency response, and its various components, including the incident commander, public information officer, safety officer, liaison officer, and medical technical specialist. She also presents a case study of COVID-19 vaccine administration, highlighting the importance of collaboration, planning, and innovative approaches. Dr. Green-McKenzie discusses the global focus on pandemic preparedness, including the establishment of a global pandemic preparedness fund and the launch of the Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy in the US. She concludes by encouraging healthcare professionals to be prepared and play a role in emergency management.

Keywords

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Clinicians

emergency management

public health response

disaster preparedness

core competency

incident command system

COVID-19 vaccine administration

pandemic preparedness

healthcare professionals