Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Pandemics separated by such long periods are more manageable in some ways.
Preparedness for a successive wave can build on lessons learned from a previous
wave, with sufficient time elapsing for replenishment of vital medical and other
resources. However, if pandemic waves are separated by shorter periods (measured
in weeks or months), the collective impact can be demoralizing and overwhelming.
For example, the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 and 1919 attacked in three waves:
the first occurring in the spring/summer of 1918; the second, in the fall of 1918; and
the third and final, in the spring of 1919. Future influenza pandemics are expected
to follow a similar pattern, causing great concern to planners and responders alike.
Pandemic Preparedness Planning
The concept of planning for a pandemic is not only a notion of practical or intuitive
need but also one of policy. The highest level federal planning guidance address-
ing all crisis preparedness was the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's)
National Response Plan (NRP) (issued in December 2004), which was superseded
by the National Response Framework (NRF) (issued on March 22, 2008). The
NRP, and subsequently the NRF, is an “all-discipline, all-hazards plan intended
to establish a single, comprehensive framework for managing domestic incidents.”
27
The NRF describes federal support to be implemented through activation of 15 emer-
gency support functions (ESFs), including several relevant to pandemic planning:
Mass Care, Emergency Assistance, Housing, and Human Services (ESF #6); Public
Health and Medical Services (ESF #8); Public Safety and Security
(ESF #13); and
Long-Term Community Recovery
(ESF #14). Each of the 15 ESFs, including those
relevant to pandemics, includes details about crisis planning, implementation,
training, and exercising.
28
Furthermore, the federal government has developed specific detailed guidance
with respect to pandemics—the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza25—
25
—
motivated largely by the threat of the type A/H5N1 virus (“Avian Flu”). Although
the National Strategy was developed in response to the Avian Flu, it addresses the
preparation for and response to any pandemic, and it is fully consistent with higher
level policy and planning documents such as the NRP
and the subsequent NRF.
The National Strategy “guides our preparedness and
response to an influenza pan-
demic, with
the intent of (1) stopping, slowing, or
otherwise limiting the spread of
a
pandemic to the United States;
(2) limiting the domestic spread of a
pandemic,
and mitigating disease
suffering and death; and (3) sustaining
infrastructure and
mitigating impact to
the economy and the functioning of
society.”
25
here are three
“pillars” in the National Strategy: (1) preparedness and communication; (2) sur-
veillance and detection; and (3) response and containment. Each has considerable
detailed guidance for communities and the general population in business, civil,
and governmental situations.
