Preparedness Activities    

Planning
The primary focus of the Preparedness Division is centered on the planning and organization of mass prophylaxis clinics for the residents of Hendricks County. These clinics could serve a variety of purposes and would be opened in the case of a public health emergency requiring preventive treatment to segments of the county’s population. Additional planning efforts also focus on other public health hazards such as pandemic influenza and communicable disease outbreaks.

Collaboration
The Preparedness Division of the Health Department also works to develop and maintain relationships with organizations and groups who are partners in emergency response. Employees from this division participate in meetings of various groups related to health and medical response.

Exercises and Drills
A crucial part of preparation for all emergency response agencies is to exercise the plans and procedures that have been developed. The Preparedness Division coordinates efforts for the Hendricks County Health Department to routinely test our capabilities in areas such as communication, clinic set-up and clinic flow.

Future Efforts
The Preparedness Division recognizes the value of community planning. Involving mental health professionals, clergy, community leaders, and other influential groups will provide the most comprehensive and unified response. This comprehensive response can then ensure greater public health outcomes following a large scale emergency. The Preparedness Division seeks to build new relationships with community leaders who have an interest in public health emergency preparedness.


Stop-the-Bleed Training

Request more information by contacting the Preparedness Coordinator at jcorder@co.hendricks.in.us.

Motivated by the 2012 tragedy in Sandy Hook and multiple tragedies that have occurred in the ensuing years, what has become known as the Hartford Consensus was convened to bring together leaders from law enforcement, the federal government, and the medical community to improve survivability from manmade or natural mass casualty events. The resulting injuries from these events generally present with severe bleeding which, if left unattended, can result in death. The participants of the Hartford Consensus concluded that by providing first responders (law enforcement) and civilian bystanders the skills and basic tools to stop uncontrolled bleeding in an emergency situation, lives would be saved. The first responder program has received very good response and is widely being used across the country. The next step is to focus on needs of civilian bystanders.

Civilians need basic training in Bleeding Control principles so they are able to provide immediate, frontline aid until first responders are able to take over care of an injured person. Due to many situations, there may be a delay between the time of injury and the time a first responder is on the scene. Without civilian intervention in these circumstances, preventable deaths will occur.

Pandemic Influenza (Flu)

What’s the difference between Pandemic Flu, Bird Flu and Seasonal Flu?

Bird flu is commonly used to refer to Avian flu. Bird flu viruses infect birds, including chickens, other poultry and wild birds such as ducks.
Avian flu (AI) is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. Low pathogenic AI is common in birds and causes few problems. Highly pathogenic H5N1 is deadly to domestic fowl, can be transmitted from birds to humans, and is deadly to humans. There is virtually no human immunity and human vaccine availability is very limited.

Pandemic flu is virulent human flu that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness. Because there is little natural immunity, the disease can spread easily from person to person. Currently, there is no pandemic flu.

Seasonal (or common) flu is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted person to person. Most people have some immunity, and a vaccine is available.

The Preparedness Division has worked in collaboration with Hendricks County response partners on the development of the Hendricks County Pandemic Influenza and Highly Infectious Respiratory Diseases Standard Operating Guidelines. To view the complete document, click here. This guidance is to provide an approach for the Hendricks County Health Department on how to respond before, during and after a pandemic situation. It details the activities identified as the responsibility of the local health department within the State plan.

Hendricks County Medical Reserve Corps

History
September 11, 2001
Thousands of volunteers show up at the World Trade Center, Pentagon, Pennsylvania
   · No way to ID or credential
   · Not covered under liability laws
   · No Incident Command Structure (ICS)
   · Difficult to manage
     Without prior registration, training, and credentialing, thousands were unable to help.

MRC Concept
   · Establish groups of volunteers with interest in strengthening local public health system and providing help in emergencies
   · Units are not first responders, but rather they assist & support existing community response resources
   · Organize/utilize locally
   · Identify, credential, train and prepare in advance

Citizen Corps Council Vision
MRC is part of Citizen Corps Council
   · Mission is to utilize the power of every individual through education, training, and volunteer service to make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to the threats of  terrorism, crime, public health issues, and disasters of all kinds.

Visit the Medical Reserve Corps National Office website for additional information:     Click here

To register to become a Hendricks County Medical Reserve Corps Volunteer, click on the following link:

Hendricks County Volunteer / MRC Application

What YOU can do to prepare

    Create an emergency communication plan for your family
    Establish a meeting place
    Assemble a disaster supply kit
    Stock up on food and water
        (Family Disaster Supplies Calendar PDF document)

    If a large scale emergency occurs
        * remain calm and be patient
        * follow the instructions of local emergency officials
        * listen to your radio or television for information and instructions
        * call your family contact and then only use the phone if it is a life-threatening emergency
        * confine and secure your pets

Resources

CDC Website for Bioterrorism and Emergency Preparedness Information

American Public Health Association

Red Cross

Ready.gov

Indiana State Department of Health

Citizen Corp

Pandemic Flu