CDP Training Helped Communities Prepare for Real World Pandemic
The following comments were received from graduates of the Pandemic Influenza Planning and Preparedness (P3) course at FEMA's Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) after experiencing the impacts of H1N1 Influenza in their own communities during the 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak. Since 2006, approximately 1,900 healthcare and emergency personnel, from across the nation, have attended the P3 training offered by the CDP.
"The CDP pandemic training gave us the insight to educate our employees and local fire departments on the pandemic issue. It helped us prepare our institution in ordering supplies and having the masks, gloves and sanitizers on hand. We all knew this was going to happen, we just didn't know when. This has played out just like the [exercises] we did in Anniston. But even faster than expected." -Bob Tyson, liaison nurse and disaster planner; Redlands, Calif.
"I work in Northwest Ohio and am the healthcare system coordinator for disaster preparedness for 18 counties, 33 hospitals, and countless non-hospital health care providers. I work for the Hospital Council of NW Ohio. I attended the P3 with over 30 public health department partners. The fact that we shared this experience together is helping us to coordinate our responses now. The hospitals are working together very well and they are in constant communication with local public health departments." -Kathy Silvestri; Hospital Council, Ohio
"The [P3] course was excellent in preparing me with the pandemic situation unfolding. I was given the technical knowledge to understand the epidemiology of pandemic viruses. This current situation is unfolding similarly to the models used in class. I feel prepared and will be able to serve as a resource in the upcoming response to this emergency." -Matthew Hansen, police lieutenant and emergency coordinator; California State University
"The P3 training made a difference in the way the California Department of Veterans Affairs has planned for possible Swine Flu. Pandemic flu preparation allows us to share, and have plans in place that are appropriate—and prevent panic, which will reduce fiscal impact. CDP training is relevant. If you may be in a position of response, get this training." -Victor Aaen, physician and surgeon; California Veterans Administration
"I am so fortunate to have taken the [P3] class. I've been reviewing my course material the last few days. The information and lessons I took from the class are invaluable." -Stevie Swiercinsky, emergency preparedness coordinator; Republic County Hospital, Kansas
"My organization has been in the epicenter of the Swine Flu in New York. We have been extremely busy, and the pandemic training helped me personally understand our situation, make smarter decisions, and anticipate what might happen next. It also demonstrated the importance of protecting ourselves from the virus, so we can treat the sick without becoming victims." -Jim Roth, emergency management coordinator; North Shore Health System
"I feel the course was very helpful in helping to formulate my response to the current [H1N1] situation. Having the P3 course helped to put everything in focus as it happened. I think Pandemic training is very important; I believe that by having this training, it helped us to keep our organization functioning calmly, with focus and with the knowledge that Infection Control and Safety Services had the situation under control." -Patricia Patterson, manager of Infection Control Services; Humility of Mary Health Partners, Ohio
"I work for a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and we work closely with the Office of Emergency Management on Long Island. The training provided me with a better sense of community needs and the importance of how CERT can assist during a pandemic event. Instead of being victims, we can help educate our community. I feel we are taking preventive measures, understanding the roles we play, and how not to become a victim." -Assistant Deputy Steve Dauz; Hicksville (N.Y.) CERT