Delco Drill Simulates Response to Anthrax Attack

Editor's note: The following information comes from the Delaware County Department of Public Relations.

Key emergency leaders in Delaware County left their daily routines first thing Wednesday, June 26, and converged at the 911 Center in Middletown. Their critical mission was to test the emergency response to a mass medical emergency that would impact Delaware County residents.

Note: This was only a test.

Delaware County Council and its emergency preparedness team executed a full-scale exercise of its Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) Plan in a two-day drill June 26-27 at locations throughout the county, including a dispensing POD at Ridley High School. 

The training scenario focused on a fictional aerosolized anthrax attack. But a real SNS incident could involve any major public health crisis, including a flu pandemic, an industrial accident, an earthquake or a terrorist attack.

The 36-hour-drill included a simulation response to a major health crisis that required a rapid dispensing of medication to residents. The drill was conducted with the help of more than 250 staff, emergency responders and volunteers. Activities took place at five active sites, including the 911 Center, Taylor and Mercy Fitzgerald hospitals, and a medication warehouse.

On Wednesday, the SNS Plan was activated. Staff was assigned to fill all Operation Center positions. “Alert” notifications were sent to all participants including hospitals. The Local Logistic Node was activated to receive the life-saving antidotes or pharmaceuticals and prepare it for distribution.

The drill proceeded over the course of two days. And finally, an After Action Conference will be held in July to review the drill. 

“A full-scale exercise of the SNS Plan involves hours of preparation and work, but a countywide drill is essential to make sure that we are prepared in case an actual emergency does happen,” said County Councilman Dave White. “Delaware County Council greatly appreciates the diligence of our partners in these emergency drills, from the key leaders and staff to the volunteers.”

The drill is part of Delaware County’s ongoing efforts to test and strengthen its response to any major public health crisis. During a widespread disease outbreak, natural disaster or terrorist attack, the ability to quickly get life-saving antidotes or pharmaceuticals and other medical supplies to affected individuals may be a matter of life and death.

This year, Delaware County earned a perfect score of 100 for the third straight year from a federal review team, indicating the county is well-prepared for a mass emergency. During the past three years, Delaware County has conducted more than 20 SNS training exercises, involving more than 1,500 staff and volunteers.

During the 2012/21013 program year, a new plan was added that serves to dispense emergency medication to first responders, including firefighters, EMS and ambulance workers, law enforcement and key medical professionals at the hospitals. 

To supplement staff during a mass casualty event, the Delaware County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) was established in July 2010 as a part of the Department of Emergency Services. The MRC has over 230 volunteers that include physicians and nurses and non-medical volunteers who can assist staff during a mass casualty incident.

The SNS is a federally managed program that provides medication, medical equipment and medical supplies to states and counties in the event that local resources and supplies are not adequate during a major medical emergency.

The county SNS Plan has been the basis for the distribution of seasonal influenza vaccines as well as the H1N1 vaccine in 2009/2010.

In an actual public health emergency, residents would be notified where to go, what to bring regarding personal medical information and what to expect at a pre-planned public Point of Dispensing.

The County would provide specific public information and instructions via the emergency alert broadcasting system, Delco Alert, the county website, and through various news media outlets. Residents would receive prompt warnings of emergencies with text messages and e-mails to cell phones and other wireless devices. For more information or to sign up for the alert system, visit the Delaware County government website at www.co.delaware.pa.us. 

Residents interested in volunteering for the Delaware County MRC can contact Ed Kline at 610-565-8700 or send an email to ekline@delcodes.org.