Emergency support functions

Strength ACEMD initiated early request for assistance from SC Emergency Management Division 75 percent of State Emergency Support Functions were activated. ACEMS equipment was quickly met, once requested through the EOC (Emergency Operations Center). Shift turnovers were pre-planned and worked well. School District representatives notified at approximately 3 30 a.m. and decision was made to close schools prior to EOC activation. 

Nurses need to be aware of Emergency Support Function (ESF 8), Flealth and Medical Services, and its core provisions. 

List the 15 emergency support functions included in the plan, particularly the emergency support function (ESF) 8. 

Within the NRP, there are 15 emergency support functions (ESF) (Table 2.1). Each ESF is coordinated by a federal agency, except ESF 6, which DHS coordinates with the American Red Cross. The ESFs provide coordination for interagency support from the federal government. 

Appreciate the importance of the American Red Cross as a lead or support agency for several of the emergency support functions identified in the National Response Plan. 

In addition to sharing a lead role in the ESF 6, the American Red Cross is named as a support agency in several other emergency support functions, including ESF 8, health and medical. This could involve activities such as providing logistic support for vaccine administration or adapting usual shelter services in catastrophic situations (such those that existed after Hurricane Katrina). 

National Response Plan (NRP) - The plan that coordinates federal resources in disaster situations. (The NRP is designed to address the consequences of any disaster or emergency situation in which there is need for federal assistance under the authorities of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq. The NRP is also the federal government s plan of action when assisting affected states and local jurisdictions in the event of a severe disaster or emergency. The plan consists of 12 emergency support functions [ESFs].)... 

The Department of Health and Human Services directs and resources the federal response under Emergency Support Function 8, Health and Medical Services. Response actions under this function are grouped into four general categories prevention, medical services, mental health services, and environmental health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention serve as the lead in this mission to assess the health and medical effects of exposure, conduct field investigations, collect samples, provide advice on protection from the hazard, and lend technical assistance for treatment and decontamination of victims. 

Emergency support function—Refers to a group of capabilities of federal departments and agencies to provide the support, resources, program implementation, and services that are most likely to be needed to save lives, protect property, restore essential services and critical infrastructure, and help victims return to normal following a national incident. 

Emergency services have dependencies and interdependencies with multiple critical infrastructure sectors and the National Response Framework s Emergency Support Functions, which supply elements for both the operation and protection of Emergency Services Sector (ESS) assets. 

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