Methods / Steps to address these issues

1) Identification of members to serve on the State Expert Panel for Dispatch

2) Identification of mission (a proposed Mission Statement is drafted for discussion)

3) Implementation of panel recommendations (there are some limited funds form the FY 2006 HRSA Hospital Disaster Preparedness Cooperative Agreement for this purpose)

Proposed Mission Statement (to be refined and finalized by the Expert Panel)

To have consistent protocols for Dispatch for the calling out, alerting and paging of First Responders and mutual aid support in a mass casualty incident

 Potential Issues for Discussion by Panel

Develop recommendations for:

• Training and education for dispatch for activation of the trauma system.

                        1) Recognition of the definitions of major trauma and indicators of possible major trauma.

                        2) Procedures on activation of local trauma plans based on these indicators.

• Consistent mutual aid dispatch during MCI events.

                        1) Knowing what other disciplines and departments will be deployed during a mass event.

                        2) Familiarization with individual department capabilities and how  these will relate to a mass /   

                             traumatic event.

• Coordination and dispatch of air medical services.

                        1) Familiarization with air transport logistics and other needs.

                        2) Knowing details regarding communications, staging, capacities, and landing zone security

• Coordination of usage of mutual aid radio channels during an MCI.

• Consistent first and second paging protocols of EMS services and subsequent follow up, mutual aid determination.

                        1) Will all paged services respond? What if not?

2) Most services are volunteer-based. They could be involved in the event.

• Coordination with and notification of trauma centers and hospitals during early stages of an MCI event.

                        1) Alerting hospitals and key ER/ED staff to possible trauma situations.

                        2) Recognizing hospital and trauma center capabilities and  capacities.

• Standardized program for issuing pre-arrival medical instruction to the 911 caller.

• Certification of PSAPs providing this pre-arrival medical direction.

Implementation of Plan

• Work with state dispatch and EMS associations to develop awareness and support: WINENA, APCO, PSOW, SIEC, etc.

• Work with training centers to develop awareness and further communications skills for EMS and other responders, FD, PD, etc.

• Include all county level EM Directors.

• Develop server list of e-mail contacts at all PSAPs for regular updates and info.

• Work through RTACs to further develop RTAC / PSAP relationships.

• Implement in at least several stages. Use one or a few PSAPs for a pilot program.

First Meeting Date

The Panel is scheduled to meet for the first time at the Great Wolf Lodge on Wednesday, November 8, 2006 from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. It is anticipated that there will be 2 – 3 meetings of this Panel. Lunch will be served at no cost to the participants.

Traditionally, members of the expert panel are supported in travel and other costs associated with attendance at these meetings through their own organization. Any panel member that must pay for travel out of their personal expenses should contact Anne-Marie Gates, Hospital Disaster Preparedness Program Assistant at 608-264-6060 or email gatesac@dhfs.state.wi.us