The Rural Component
Promoting preparedness and a more efficient response within rural communities.
CHALLENGE:
To aid response agencies in responding to a local disaster, whether geographically or politically defined, through an enhanced rural preparedness and response infrastructure.
SOLUTION:
CIMERC recognizes that emergency response and healthcare delivery in metropolitan areas varies in many aspects from that of rural communities. As such, CIMERC represents a partnership emphasizing the unique preparedness and response needs of rural and urban communities. CIMERC has partnered with many city and regional governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as universities to ensure an effective, integrated emergency response.
Accomplishments
- Developed the Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Forum
- Evaluated the preparedness level of Pennsylvania's Hospital-based Emergency Departments
- Designed Strategies for Incident Preparedness, emergency response scenarios for preparedness training
- Bridged the communication gap between organizations using video converencing over Internet Protocol.
POTENTIAL APPLICATION:
Utilizing technology to identify, evaluate and to build upon strengths from a preparedness and response perspective, raises awareness regarding the value and expertise held within rural communities and facilitates learning and assessment across involved communities.