Emergency health services system operation

Metropolitan Medical Strike Team Operational System Description. Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, and the United States Public Health Service, Office of Emergency Preparedness, with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1996. 

The availability of capital resources is equally important. As mentioned, the current health care system— including the emergency, acute, and chronic care components—are all operating at maximal capacity. However, EMS vehicles, ED and hospital beds, and operating rooms will be needed in differing levels based on the incident (Auf der Heide, 2006 Pesik et al., 2001). For the EMS system, planners must know and address mutual aid issues. In upstate New York, Rural Metro Medical Services provides EMS in many cities and has a plan to shift resources between cities in event of crisis. Thus, additional ambulances, communications equipment, and maintenance facilities can be deployed throughout the region. In other areas, mutual aid compacts must be in place to allow for the immediate recruitment of as many additional EMS units as are needed (Auf der Heide, 2006). 

The National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) is a section within the United States. DHS is responsible for supporting federal agencies in the management and coordination of the federal, medical response to major emergencies, such as acts of terrorism, including the potential use of chemical agents. Special teams available under NDMS include Disaster Medical Assistance Teams, Veterinarian Medical Assistance Teams, Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Teams, National Nurse Response Teams, and National Pharmacy Response Teams (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Web site). 

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