Regional Healthcare Disaster Collaboration Teams

Tim Conley, Emergency Management Supervisor Mercy Health Care System. He’s also the co-founder of the IDMC (Interstate Disaster Medical Collaborative) with our co-host Sam Bradley. Sam invited Tim on the show to talk about his Illinois Regional Healthcare Coordination system. This allows local healthcare systems to collaborate to provide emergency and disaster preparedness systems to their regions. Joining us on the show tonight are our two disaster weather experts, Kyle Nelson and Dan DePodwin. We also have disaster emergency management expert, Becky DePodwin. We discuss how collaboration before disaster strikes is essential to maximizing the ability to respond in a timely fashion when major events occur. The episode was co-hosted by Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis. Scroll down for Podcast Discussion Summary Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well. Podcast Discussion Summary Illinois Preparedness and Response Discussion Jamie, Sam, and Joe welcomed Tim Conley to the show to discuss his work with the Illinois Preparedness and Response Coalition. Tim explained that his hospital has the Regional Healthcare Coordination Center (RHCC) for the northwest part of the state, and he helps with it but does not run it himself. The group briefly discussed Tim’s background and his previous appearances on the show. Jamie then introduced Tim to the audience and announced they were ready to start recording the episode. Northwest Illinois Preparedness Coalition Discussion The meeting began with a casual discussion about weather conditions on the East Coast, where Jamie described mild October weather with some rain from a nor’easter. Sam and Joe discussed the weather in Memphis, which had cooled off slightly due to the same storm. The group welcomed meteorologists and show regulars Becky, Dan, and Kyle to the meeting, and Dan provided an update on tropical weather, noting that while the Atlantic hurricane season is winding down, there is still potential for one or two more storms in the Caribbean over the next six weeks. The conversation then shifted to discussing a video Tim Conley had shared about the Northwest Illinois Preparedness and Response Coalition. Emergency Management Coordination and Preparedness Tim described his roles in emergency management, including his position as an emergency management supervisor for Mercy Healthcare System and his work with Medglobal’s chemical weapons training programs. He also discussed the Interstate Disaster Medical Collaborative, which helps states coordinate for preparedness, particularly through Regional Health Coordination Centers (RHCCs). Sam noted the potential shift of FEMA responsibilities to the state level, emphasizing the importance of his involvement given the uncertainty in federal requirements for RHCCs. Regional Health Coordination Centers Overview Tim explained the function of Regional Health Coordination Centers (RHCCs), using Illinois as an example, and described their role in disaster planning, training, and maintaining disaster warehouses. He highlighted the importance of establishing relationships and understanding capabilities before an event occurs, emphasizing that no single organization can meet all needs. He also discussed the Northwest Illinois Preparedness and Response Coalition, mentioning its two dedicated employees, medical director, and ongoing efforts to prepare the region for potential disasters through training, budgeting, and equipment maintenance. Emergency Management All-Hazards Approach Tim discussed the importance of an all-hazards approach in emergency management, emphasizing collaboration with various agencies and the establishment of MOUs with big-box stores to ensure 96-hour sustainability. They explained the setup and logistics of field alternate care sites, which are modeled after DMATs, and highlighted the complexity of logistics involved. He also mentioned the presence of ALS and hospital-based equipment in these sites, though they are not equipped for full ER care. Joe shared that similar networks exist in Memphis, with ongoing challenges in logistics and coordination, and mentioned an upcoming drill at the airport to test these systems. Rural Emergency Response Coordination Sam, Jamie, and Kyle discussed the importance of coordinated emergency response programs, particularly in rural areas. Kyle explained that Colorado has 11 RETACs to provide a coordinated approach for emergency medical and trauma care at the regional level, with each region having its own talk group on the state radio system. He emphasized the need for collaboration between hospitals, EMS agencies, and other response agencies to effectively handle planned events and emerging incidents, highlighting the vital role of ...