The evolution of healthcare disaster preparedness and response training at the FEMA Center for Domestic Preparedness

The Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) in partnership with the US Department of Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response is using a multiagency/organization, targeted, collaborative approach to adjust existing courses and develop responsive new courses to provide best practices education and experiential learning techniques in healthcare facility emergency resilience, preparedness, response, and recovery applicable to all first receivers. The CDP in Anniston, AL, is a Federal Emergency Management Agency training facility for the Nation's state, local, tribal, and territorial first responders and healthcare professionals. The Center's role has rapidly evolved to provide healthcare emergency preparedness, response, and management training. Through the integration of its Noble Training Facility, a former military hospital, the training courses replicate disaster and mass casualty emergency situations. Patient simulators enable triage and assessment of treatment for mass casualty surge skills application while an isolation ward serves as a training laboratory for the care of patients with infectious diseases of specific concern. Ambulance simulators and an eight-bay treatment area add authenticity to an integrated capstone event accompanying select classes.