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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

marcus Haines, Assistant Program Manager, CIMERC, saint francis university p.o box 1482, loretto, PA 15940, 814-472-2848, mhaines@cermusa.francis.edu

Importance A sound response to any event that threatens human life and health, in particular a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI), requires a well-trained and resourceful workforce. Lack of communication among the regions in rural Pennsylvania demonstrates the need for a platform for experts to interact. In 2002, the Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Preparedness and Response Forum was developed to meet this need.

Methods Approximately 21 professionals met on 12 occasions to determine the need for and to specify important features of an innovative training tool for medical first response and planning professionals. Leveraging interest categories from different training areas, the MCI Forum provides a virtual environment for information sharing. Experts with common interests participate at their leisure through written discussions and online presentations on self selected subject areas. The Forum puts the information in the hands of the people who need it most through the creation of an online community. The Forum is used to enhance inter-agency communication, as well as build the knowledge and preparedness of public health and emergency management officials. User interactions result in shared knowledge of lessons learned that will increase preparedness for an MCI response.

Supporting Data Results of this work revealed that 67% of the target population would participate once-a-week or once-a-month in an online discussion to interact with peers. Online interaction is demonstrated through 77% of the sample population participating in online training. The desire for information and existing use of Internet makes the MCI Forum a viable tool.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session the participant will learn

• The capabilities available for them to interact with experts in areas of interest to them
• Learn the value of learning from previous mass casualty events in order to be prepared for a future disaster

Keywords: Community Response, Community Health Planning

Related Web page: www.cimerc.org/forum

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation