Disaster Aid [Basic] (DAB-Lab) for Public Health MPH Candidates

Background/Purpose:  It is incumbent upon academicians in Public Health to provide MPH candidates a strong educational experience in the roles and responsibilities of local public health in planning for and responding to any catastrophe.  Within that context, a discussion should also ensue discussing the possibility that local PH administration and personnel may be asked to assist with basic medical care at established healthcare facilities and alternative care sites as traditional providers are lost due to disease, death, or desertion.  Methods:  Within the context of the authors’ course (Interdisciplinary Crisis Management for Medical and Public Health Professionals), we have incorporated a 7.5 hours skills lab (Disaster Assistance Basic Lab) [DAB-Lab]).  The Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine faculty (one is also an emergency physician) instructs MPH candidates on 1) Taking vital signs; 2) Triage; 3) IVs & IOs (Intraosseous Infusions); 4) Tourniquet application; 5) Basic Airway Maintenance; 6) Splinting; 7) Spinal Immobilization; 8) Wound Management & Suturing; and 9) Patient Evacuation Techniques.  Results/Outcomes:  The goals of this education is not meant to certify learners in these techniques, but to demonstrate under simulation conditions the repercussions associated with diminution of resources, altered standards of care, and the use of non-traditional responders during a catastrophic situation.  The Public Health faculty has been trained in these activities and has found them to be worthwhile and attainable for MPH candidates.  Conclusions: At the end of the course, the students’ evaluations of this course will be assessed for future modifications.