This book aims to provide a series of informative descriptions of key elements of health emergency preparedness and response that are underpinned by real-life examples. The book is divided into 17 chapters, as follows: introduction on the need to prepare for health emergencies; the planning...

This chapter describes the reasoning behind the need for an emergency plan, the processes that should be adopted in writing a good emergency plan, and the evaluation of the plan. The chapter specifically describes the generic/core plan that provides the baseline response to all emergencies, as well ...

This chapter considers the training and exercising that is required to support responders in gaining the skills to manage emergencies. The first half focuses on specific training elements required to deliver successful emergency responses, while the second considers the possibilities to test and...

This chapter describes the importance of emergency planning in partnership, the benefits to responding organizations of working in partnership, and the benefits to people caught up in an emergency if organizations work in partnership. It also identifies the key partner organizations for health...

The focus of this book chapter is the exploration of some group processes that can influence effective interprofessional practice when working with colleagues from different agencies and disciplines in order to develop resilience strategies. It discusses how effective interagency team working can...

This chapter largely considers the preparedness for, and response to, mass casualty incidents (MCIs) in the UK. It presents the definition of a mass casualty incident; the differences between a mass casualty incidence and a major incident; and, the challenges for the UK National Health Service in...

This chapter examines the importance of communication during a health emergency, and presents guidelines on the timeline of communications during an emergency. It discusses communication event triggers, the information source, the timing/speed of information dissemination, the message content,...

This chapter is intended as a basic briefing to assist health and social care organizations begin to take steps to prepare their staff and services for the psychosocial and mental health impacts of all kinds of emergencies, major incidents and disasters. It provides a summary introduction to...

This chapter discusses the principles and practice of emergency preparedness and response as applied to infectious disease emergencies, using influenza as an example. It describes the epidemiology and spread of pandemic influenza, the detection and tracking of influenza viruses, principles of...

This chapter reviews the causes of both accidental and deliberate release of hazardous chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) substances; general principles of identification and contact tracing; the initial operational response to exposure; management of fatalities; and,...