Lessons Learned from H1N1: Use of the Incident Command System in the Public Health Response

Contents Abstract .............................................................................................................140 Introduction ......................................................................................................140 ICS and the Target Capabilities List ..................................................................141 ICS and H1N1 Response ..................................................................................141 Choosing to Implement ICS .............................................................................141 Activation of ICS ..............................................................................................142 Staˆ Roles in ICS Structure ...............................................................................142 Staˆ and Volunteer Knowledge of ICS ..............................................................143 Communication ................................................................................................144 Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Management .........................................144 Emergency Public Information and Warning .....................................................145 Di‚culty Implementing ICS .............................................................................145

Abstract e H1N1 pandemic response in 2009 and early 2010 required a massive coordination eˆort between local health departments and partners within and outside of the public health community. e majority of these health departments used the incident command system (ICS) as the tool by which to organize the emergency response eˆorts. As public health is relatively new to ICS-a system predominantly used by ‘re and emergency medical services agencies-it is important to gather lessons learned from the H1N1 response, and incorporate these items into future responses. By capturing successes and identifying areas requiring improvement, organizations in the public health sector can learn from each other and implement best practices and corrective actions into existing plans before the next public health crisis emerges.