PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS FOR PHOENIX REGIONAL EMS
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Authors
Alexander, Justin B.
Subjects
pandemic
epidemic
outbreak
EMS
first responder
fire department
Phoenix Fire Department
preparedness
response
recovery
emergency medical services
fire-based EMS
epidemic
outbreak
EMS
first responder
fire department
Phoenix Fire Department
preparedness
response
recovery
emergency medical services
fire-based EMS
Advisors
Fernandez, Lauren S.
Aten, Kathryn J.
Date of Issue
2024-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
The COVID-19 global pandemic has brought heightened awareness to the challenges that biological events can pose for emergency medical service providers. This research seeks to produce policy guidance to create optimal pandemic preparedness strategies for the Phoenix Fire Department and its regional partners. Utilizing a design thinking process, the research engaged focus groups in a series of sessions designed to understand and define pandemic response challenges, leading to possible solutions. Focus group findings revealed that the department faced multifaceted issues in pandemic preparation, ranging from equipment and personnel decontamination to inter-agency support coordination. However, the Phoenix Fire Department also demonstrated robust capabilities in confronting past challenges. The inherent unpredictability and severity of pandemics necessitate preemptive preparation, anchored by the prioritization of accountability and thorough planning. It is recommended that the Phoenix Fire Department establish a specialized pandemic preparedness group dedicated to drafting and updating a comprehensive pandemic preparedness plan. Incorporating a continual review mechanism, this plan would benefit from a pandemic preparedness audit tool, ensuring iterative improvements through regular testing, integration of the latest knowledge, and lessons learned.
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Thesis
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Distribution Statement
Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.