Multi-professional Disaster Preparedness Competencies

The concept of “One World, One Health”, which has linked animal disease with human health, has recently become topical. As disasters affect the health of animals, it is inevitable that there will be a flow-on effect upon the health of people. This concept has increased the awareness of the importance of disease prevention in animals in today’s society, particularly in disasters. This

concept of multiple professionals working in a synergistic relationship to fulfil the same outcomes, is impelling a consortium of multi-professional disciplines to develop disaster preparedness competencies. Whilst this movement is gaining some momentum, it is clear that, within the human health, veterinary and animal welfare professions, there is an urgent need to build capacity in emergency management and disaster preparedness (Dunning, et al 2009).

Whilst there is limited literature on the competencies and curricula for animal-related emergency management training, there are several comprehensive discourses on training programs specific to health care disciplines. Dunning et al., (2009) discussed how to train veterinary students in preparedness and disaster response. However, there appears to be no literature that deals with the concept of all-hazard, standardised, evidence-based educational competencies, encompassing all phases of emergency management for all personnel involved in animal welfare emergency management.

Dunning et al (2009) described a new competency-based Veterinary Credential Responder training programme at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. They found the current literature suggests that a core-competency-based program is the preferred method of implementing a training program within the human health or veterinary profession. An all-hazards training curriculum centred on core competencies, rather than on specific topic matter, ensures a focus on proficiency and cross-discipline capability that is not specific to one

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particular event or an emergency. The non-veterinary articles emphasised learning objectives, commonly listing an incident command system (similar to CIMS in New Zealand), the National Incident Management System, team work, communications and critical event management/ problem solving. The authors developed eight proposed core competencies in disaster preparedness and emergency management for veterinary medicine, based on Bloom’s

taxonomy (Table 2.1).

Table 2.1: North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine Eight core competencies in disaster preparedness and emergency management that are proposed for veterinary medicine,(Dunning, et al 2009).

The competencies identified by Dunning et al (2009) cover a number of important aspects of emergency management, although they are not comprehensive as they do not deal with all phases of emergency management (i.e. the reduction/mitigation and recovery phases have been omitted). It is important that veterinarians are aware of both of these phases, and that they have knowledge and skills that could contribute significantly to these phases. Interestingly, Dunning et al (2009) noted that:

“due to the increasing importance of the human-animal bond, more emphasis is being place on preparing for a potential emergency or evacuation in advance”.

To prepare for a potential emergency or evacuation in advance, one must have an understanding of the potential hazards that could cause the emergency, therefore be able to take steps to mitigate the risks. Madigan and Dacre (2009) suggest a veterinarian can contribute to the mitigation phase by instituting vaccination programmes against expected

Core Competency Variable Expected Level of Proficiency

ICS and NIMS Comprehension

Critical incident de-briefing or psychologic first aid Demonstrate Euthanasia physiology, methodology and mechanics Describe

Bio-security Evaluate

Personal protective equipment Demonstrate

Hazardous material Knowledge

All-hazards approach to emergency preparedness Demonstrate or analyse Personal and business continuity training Demonstrate

Awareness of the opportunities and need for veterinarians with certified responder training at local, state, and national level

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water-borne diseases, such as leptospirosis, strengthening and securing animal shelters for anticipated use, and offering micro-chipping days to clients to increase the possibility of being reunified with their animals.

The recovery phase tends to be forgotten and not given the attention it deserves. Veterinarians can play vital roles during this phase, such as restoring veterinary care (Madigan & Dacre 2009), proper disposal of dead carcasses and offering advice to owners on how to cope with stress factors affecting their animals. Veterinarians can also play an advisory role for government and private sectors on any matters that affect animal welfare. They can make a significant contribution by researching and analysing the event and making recommendations, which could reduce the negative impact of animal welfare in the future (Howell, 1998).

2.2.3 Summary

As emergency management is multi-faceted and involves many agencies, it is important to recognise that veterinarians are not the only personnel who are involved in animal welfare during disasters. Historically, the inclusion of animals in emergency management plans has been driven by non-veterinarians as well as the development of AWEM plans and policy. Therefore there is a need to develop all-phase evidence-based educational competencies and assessable learning outcomes for all personnel involved in AWEM.

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CHAPTER THREE

Methodology