Emergency Dispensing Site Drill

On November 18, 2006 Worcester tested their EDS plans by conducting a Flu Clinic and activating volunteers from the Worcester Regional Medical Reserve Corps.  At the time of the Seasonal Flu Clinic at the Worcester Senior Center, EDS procedures were implemented and tested.  A table top exercise was conducted meeting the criteria of Homeland Security procedures.  Click on one of the thumbnail photos below to display a larger version.

Nov 9 a pre-drill meeting was held to orient volunteers to the flu clinic.

Karyn E. Card, Coordinator Worcester Regional Medical Reserve Corps

Karyn addressing volunters during a pre-drill meeting

We had a large number of volunteers

Karyn and Kerry Clark, Program Manager for Region2 Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coalition.

Derek Brindisi, Acting Deputy Director, Worcester Public Health Division, welcoming the volunteers

Derek addressing the volunteers

Dr. Leonard Morse, Worcester Public Health Commissioner, stresses the importance of the volunteer effort

Dr. Morse addressing volunteers

Volunteers were fed during the pre-drill briefing

Volunteers listening intently

Nov 18 8:00 - noon Flu Clinic/EDS Exercise

Patients lined up at the Senior Center

Step 1: Triage tent. Waiting patently for flu shots

Step 2: Complete registration forms

Step 3 Medical Screening

More medical screening

At the triage area, Patients with special requirements are directed to the Special Access Area.

Additional Care Area for registration & screening the physically impared and those needing interpreters.

Additional Care Area

Additional Care Area

Step 4: Innoculation area

Filling syringes with flu vaccine

Step 5: After the clinic patients were asked to complete feedback forms.

As the Flu Clinic was being conducted, there was training for Worcester Public Health employees. Here Derek gives a behind-the-scenes tour.

The group is provided a review of EDS procedures by Walter DePaolo, Program Consultant, Region 2 PHEPC

They also heard about Bioterrorism from Dan McTigue

The flu clinic was being used as a test of the EDS procedures. Officials meet to have a table top discussion of procedures.

The table top exercise fulfills requirements of Homeland Security.

"The media should be over there. The Public InformationOfficer will be notified."

Dr. Moore, the PIO, talks with the press.

As part of the exercise, coalition staff members follow patients and time their progress through each step of teh flu clinic.

Walt shadows some patients to assess throughput (the amount of time it takes to go through the entire process).

Walmart provided snacks, drinks, and the big triage tent

Walmart representatives also helped apprehend a simulated disruptive person.

"... we are almost finished, keep up the good work..."

Karyn and Betsy Colman, 4th year UMass Medical Student, a primary asset to planning the program

Always controlled and in charge !

"Remember to turn in your badges..."