Simulations and Exercises are the cornerstone of our work. In the past 8 years, HSPH-EPREP has developed and led more than 65 exercises of both discussion and operations-based formats. Our experience includes providing seminars and workshops to conducting functional and full-scale exercises.
These exercises conform to standards set by the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP), guidance from the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) and the principles of the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
HSPH-EPREP both develops and disseminates the latest scientific knowledge relating to health and emergency preparedness and response. Our program translates the best available science and published expertise into high quality emergency response curricula. Our focus is on capability-based formats that help participants develop new skills that can be measured and assessed. Some of our most recent training events have included caring for elderly populations during emergencies and the CHEMPACK program.
EPREP staff have served as first-responders, first-receivers, volunteer managers, emergency planners, emergency operations center liaisons, epidemiologists and played other roles in emergency response and public health. We have worked in Massachusetts, around the United States, and internationally preparing for, responding to, and recovering from small and large emergencies. EPREP staff draw upon both their experience and knowledge to create practical tools and realistic response scenarios to help organizations respond to emergencies.
Recover from an emergency event is often the most overlooked and underprepared public health and emergency management capability. We view emergencies not as isolated incidents but as a cycle that ends with a return to normal operations. We plan our exercises to take participants though the recovery stage so participants can identify ways to expedite the recovery process.
