🚨 Certified Healthcare Emergency Management: Disaster Preparedness and Response Training Course

Course Outline

 

Module 1: Principles of Disaster Preparedness and Response in Healthcare

ü  Defining the all-hazards approach to Disaster Preparedness

ü  The Emergency Management Cycle: Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, Recovery

ü  National and international frameworks for healthcare emergency management

ü  Roles and responsibilities of key personnel and agencies

ü  The importance of community and regional healthcare coalition planning

ü  Practical Session: Reviewing a Sample Hospital Emergency Management Plan (HEMP)

 

Module 2: Hazard Vulnerability Analysis (HVA) and Mitigation

ü  Methodology for conducting a comprehensive Hazard Vulnerability Analysis (HVA)

ü  Identifying natural, technological, and human-caused hazards

ü  Developing mitigation strategies to reduce risk and impact

ü  Assessing the vulnerability of critical healthcare infrastructure

ü  Prioritizing hazards for planning and resource allocation

ü  Practical Session: Conducting a Focused HVA for a Selected Healthcare Facility

 

Module 3: Introduction to the Hospital Incident Command System (HICS)

ü  History and organizational structure of Hospital Incident Command System (HICS)

ü  Key functions and standard positions within HICS

ü  Differences between HICS and other command systems (e.g., ICS)

ü  Principles of unified command and span of control

ü  Activating, expanding, and deactivating the HICS structure

ü  Practical Session: Mapping Organizational Roles to HICS Positions

 

Module 4: HICS Implementation and Incident Management

ü  Establishing the Incident Command Post (ICP) and its equipment needs

ü  Developing and implementing the Incident Action Plan (IAP)

ü  Documentation and record-keeping during an incident

ü  Managing information flow and communications within the HICS structure

ü  Transitioning from daily operations to HICS activation

ü  Practical Session: Running a HICS Command Post Simulation

 

Module 5: Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Triage and Patient Tracking

ü  Understanding the definition and challenges of a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI)

ü  Applying international triage methodologies (e.g., START, JumpSTART)

ü  Establishing and managing a casualty collection point

ü  Implementing a robust Patient Tracking System during an MCI

ü  Triage under constrained resources and ethical considerations

ü  Practical Session: Hands-on Triage Simulation Drill

 

Module 6: Healthcare Surge Capacity Planning and Alternative Care Sites

ü  Strategies for maximizing internal surge capacity (staff, space, supplies)

ü  Identifying and operationalizing Alternative Care Sites (ACS)

ü  Staffing models for extended operations during surge events

ü  Rapid patient discharge and patient movement planning

ü  Logistics for setting up an ACS efficiently

ü  Practical Session: Developing a Surge Plan for an Emergency Department Expansion

 

Module 7: Emergency Communications and Warning Systems

ü  Establishing redundant and resilient emergency communication systems

ü  Protocols for internal and external warning dissemination

ü  Interoperability challenges with external agencies (EMS, fire, police)

ü  Developing clear public information and media strategies

ü  Managing crisis communications and mitigating misinformation

ü  Practical Session: Drafting a Public Health Alert Message for the Media

 

Module 8: Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP) in Healthcare

ü  Developing a robust Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)

ü  Identifying and prioritizing Essential Functions (EFS) for continuity

ü  Succession planning for key leadership and personnel

ü  Strategies for maintaining electronic health records (EHR) and IT systems

ü  Cross-training and staff preparedness for COOP activation

ü  Practical Session: Developing a COOP Checklist for Loss of a Critical Facility

 

Module 9: Resource Management (Supply Chain, Staffing, Pharmaceuticals)

ü  Strategies for establishing emergency caches of supplies and equipment

ü  Managing the pharmaceutical supply chain during a disaster

ü  Developing mutual aid agreements for resource sharing

ü  Tracking, receiving, and distributing external donations

ü  Managing staffing shortages and volunteer integration

ü  Practical Session: Calculating 3-Day Supply Needs for Critical Consumables

 

Module 10: Infrastructure Protection and Utility Failure

ü  Assessing and protecting critical hospital infrastructure (power, water, HVAC)

ü  Protocols for managing total or partial utility failure

ü  Maintaining life support systems during power outages (generators, UPS)

ü  Water conservation and alternative water sourcing plans

ü  Managing fuel supply for emergency generators

ü  Practical Session: Developing a Checklist for Critical System Shutdown/Startup after Power Failure

 

Module 11: Security and Law Enforcement Integration

ü  Protocols for managing civil unrest, security threats, and crowd control

ü  Integrating hospital security with local law enforcement agencies

ü  Managing access control and perimeter security during a crisis

ü  Active threat/shooter response protocols for healthcare settings

ü  Protection of high-value/sensitive areas (pharmacy, labs)

ü  Practical Session: Developing an Active Threat Lockdown and Communication Procedure

 

Module 12: Public Health Emergencies and Pandemic Response

ü  The role of the healthcare facility in the Public Health Emergency response

ü  Protocols for managing infectious disease outbreaks and isolation

ü  Surveillance, reporting, and coordination with public health authorities

ü  Ethical considerations in resource allocation during pandemics

ü  Vaccination and prophylaxis distribution planning

ü  Practical Session: Developing a Triage Protocol for Screening Infectious Patients

 

Module 13: Psychological First Aid and Staff Resilience

ü  Principles of Psychological First Aid (PFA) for patients and staff

ü  Recognizing signs of stress, trauma, and burnout in responders

ü  Implementing critical incident stress management (CISM) programs

ü  Strategies for promoting staff resilience and well-being

ü  Managing family reunification and mental health support services

ü  Practical Session: Practicing a Psychological First Aid Debriefing Script

 

Module 14: Disaster-Specific Response Protocols (Fire, Bomb, Active Threat)

ü  Detailed response protocols for internal and external fire incidents

ü  Protocols for managing bomb threats and suspicious packages

ü  Evacuation, relocation, and vertical movement strategies

ü  Shelter-in-place procedures for chemical/biological threats

ü  Role of floor wardens and communication during internal threats

ü  Practical Session: Running an Evacuation Drill Scenario (Tabletop)

 

Module 15: Decontamination and Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Response

ü  Establishing and operating a patient decontamination corridor

ü  Protocols for managing chemically, biologically, or radiologically contaminated patients

ü  Staff safety and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during decontamination

ü  Waste disposal procedures for contaminated materials

ü  Coordination with specialized HAZMAT teams

ü  Practical Session: Mapping the Decontamination Zone and Workflow

 

Module 16: Legal and Ethical Considerations in Disaster Response

ü  Understanding the legal framework (e.g., Stafford Act, state declarations)

ü  Ethical principles of care during resource scarcity (Triage ethics)

ü  Liability and legal protections for healthcare workers during emergencies

ü  Patient consent, privacy (HIPAA), and records management during evacuation

ü  Duty to care vs. duty to warn

ü  Practical Session: Analyzing a Scenario Involving Ethical Resource Allocation Decisions

 

Module 17: Post-Disaster Recovery and Financial Documentation

ü  Strategies for transitioning from Response to Recovery phase

ü  Conducting After-Action Reviews (AAR) and implementing corrective actions

ü  Developing financial documentation and tracking expenses for FEMA/insurance reimbursement

ü  Restoring facility operations and infrastructure

ü  Long-term community and staff support planning

ü  Practical Session: Developing an After-Action Report Outline

 

Module 18: Integrated Capstone: Full-Scale Disaster Simulation and Evaluation

ü  Participants execute a complex, multi-hazard Full-Scale Disaster Simulation

ü  Activation and operation of the HICS structure under stress

ü  Real-time decision-making, resource allocation, and communication drills

ü  Formal debriefing and evaluation of the exercise performance

ü  Development of a final action plan based on simulation outcomes

ü  Practical Session: Final Capstone Project: Full-Scale Disaster Simulation and Evaluation

About Our Trainers

 

Our trainers are certified professionals (e.g., CEM, CHPA) and former high-level Emergency Managers and Clinical Leaders from major healthcare systems and public health agencies. They possess an average of 18 years of experience leading Disaster Preparedness and Response in Healthcare Training Course programs and managing real-world large-scale incidents, ensuring the curriculum is current, compliant, and critically practical.

 

Quality Statement

 

Phoenix Training Center is committed to delivering a superior, compliance-focused, and life-saving Disaster Preparedness and Response in Healthcare Training Course. We guarantee a curriculum that integrates strategic leadership with critical operational skills, empowering participants to protect lives and maintain essential services during any crisis.

Admission Criteria

ü  Participants should be reasonably proficient in English. 

ü  Applicants must live up to Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

1. Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free
2. What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.
3. Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.
4. The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.
5. Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training.

Or call us on +254720272325 / +254737296202

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

1. Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.
2. Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.
3. Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

1. Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.
2. Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.
3. No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

 

Tailor-Made Courses

We understand that every organization has unique challenges and opportunities as well as unique training needs. Phoenix Training Center offers tailor-made courses designed to address specific requirements and challenges faced by your team or organization. Whether you need a customized curriculum, a specific duration, or on-site delivery, we can adapt our expertise to provide a training solution that perfectly aligns with your objectives.

We can customize this Course to focus on your industry, specific risk profile, or internal stakeholder dynamics. Contact us to discuss how we can create a bespoke training program that maximizes value and impact for your team. For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202 or Email training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com

 

Accommodation and Airport Pick-up

For physical training attendees, we can assist with recommendations for accommodation near the training venue. Airport pick-up services can also be arranged upon request to ensure a smooth arrival. Please inform us of your travel details in advance if you require these services. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202