Oklahoma State Department of Health University of Oklahoma

Oklahoma State Department of Health University of Oklahoma Health Science Center Ebola Virus Table Top Exercise

Purpose To provide participants an opportunity to evaluate current response concepts, plans and capabilities in response to a possible outbreak of a viral disease with high mortality.

Objectives • Test screening, triage, follow up protocols • Coordinate isolation requirements throughout patient flow through the facility • Plan for patient surge • Discuss patient, staff, and visitor safety • Discuss notification practices

Exercise Instructions • This is an exercise based on a possible event • Process the information just as you would in a real-life incident. • Avoid the temptation to “solve” the entire scenario. • There is no “hidden agenda” or any trick questions. • Participation is the key to making this exercise a success. • Feel free to make valid assumptions based on the information provided. • Respond based on your knowledge of current plans and capabilities (you may use only existing assets).

Rules of Engagement • This is an open, low-stress, no-fault environment. • Offer any suggestions or recommended actions that could improve response and preparedness efforts. • Be respectful of others as varying viewpoints, even disagreements, may occur.

Background (As of January 7, 2015) The 2014– 2015 Ebola outbreak is one of the largest Ebola outbreaks in history and the first in West Africa including: Guinea Liberia Sierra Leone

Background (cont. ) • CDC is working with other U. S. government agencies, WHO, UNICEF, and other domestic and international partners in an international response to the current Ebola outbreak in West Africa. • CDC has activated its EOC to help coordinate technical assistance and control activities with partners and has deployed several teams of public health experts to the West Africa region. • CDC has deployed several teams of public health experts to the West Africa region and plans to send additional public health experts to the affected countries to expand current response activities. • According to the WHO, reported suspected, probable and confirmed Ebola cases in West Africa totals 21, 121, with 8, 304 deaths.

Background (As of January 7, 2015) OSDH participates in CDC and Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) conference calls regarding the Ebola outbreak and the need to increase preparation and response activities for Ebola. Health Advisories and other information on Ebola have been disseminated to Oklahoma hospitals, clinicians and first responders.

Scenario Part 1 CDC notifies OSDH via EPI-X within three hours of initial screening of a group of researchers returning from Liberia. OSDH notifies the Regional Health Director with the following information. There are 8 people ranging in age from 18 to 45 years. All were involved in a project designed to test the effectiveness of a new washable type of gown, complete with head covering and face shield, which is more breathable (and so suitable to West Africa’s climate). They all reside in XX County and they all need monitoring.

Discussion Questions in Module 1 please refer to your Situation Manual: Hospitals Public Healthcare Coalition

15 Minute Break ! Please be back and ready to start by …. hrs

Scenario Part 2 The researchers all live in County X, and have at least one roommate except for Fanny. All your visits proceed smoothly, except this morning Fanny doesn’t look well. Her temperature reads 102. 0 °F. She needs more definitive evaluation. Discuss the actions to be taken for ensuring the health and safety of everyone involved in her care.

Discussion Up to now, all of the contact monitoring has proceeded smoothly. Obviously with this new finding Fanny has to be managed more closely and this situation is becoming more complex and expanding rapidly. Discuss in your groups the questions as you understand them and with your current capabilities to address these issues to develop a strategy to isolate and protect patient and staff.

Scenario Part 3 All of the other original researchers/contacts have completed 21 days of monitoring and have been symptom-free; however you are still monitoring Fanny’s contacts after Feb 9. Fanny died as a result of the EVD.

Discussion should centered around the needs of the Hospital and what the health and medical systems need to ensure takes place from this point forward. Discussion should include the health and safety of everyone both internal staff and external partners and the community involved with an individual who dies due to Ebola.

END of EXERCISE Please Conduct Hotwash