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Vermont
First Responder Guide to an Act of Terrorism
SECTION 8 - LOGISTICAL
SUPPORT
- Vermont
Emergency Management
Vermont Emergency
Management (VEM) is the lead state agency responsible for the
coordination of state resources during the consequence management
phase of terrorism response. During crisis management, VEM opens
and operates an emergency operations center (EOC) and will coordinate
directly with the Regional Terrorism District Manager to facilitate
the delivery of state terrorism response resources.
During both crisis
and consequence management, VEM provides for:
- The provision
and coordination of State and private response resources.
- Organizing and
staffing the State Emergency Operations Center.
- Liaison with
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Requesting
FEMA or other federal assistance during times of crisis or
disaster.
- Requesting assistance
from signatories of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact
(EMAC) or the International Emergency Management Assistance
Compact (IEMAC).
- Maintenance of
applicable disaster records.
- Emergency
Operations Center
Depending on the
scope of the event(s), representatives from the following agencies
operate from the EOC to coordinate agency specific resources.
Vermont National
Guard (see Vermont National Guard
in State Response Resources)
- Vermont
Department of Health –
The representative of the Vermont Department of Health (VDH)
notifies and coordinates the activation/deployment of VDH
personnel and/or resources:
- Office of
Public Affairs - Responsible for the coordination of all
press conferences and informational materials released
to the public and the media.
- Director of
the Office of Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention
- Responsible for the coordination of emergency medical
ambulance and first responder services, inter-hospital
medical services, relocation of patients from damaged
medical facilities in conjunction with local resources.
- Director
of the Office of Occupational and Radiological Health
- Responsible for radiological and occupational health
monitoring of emergency responders and others utilized
in the response.
- Director
of the Office of Environmental Health - Responsible for
general environmental health concerns, coordination with
the Department of Environmental Conservation, purity of
drinking water, contamination of public food supplies
and liaison with the federal Environmental Protection
Agency.
- Chief Medical
Examiner - Responsible for the coordination of death investigations
- State Epidemiologist
- Responsible for the coordination of infectious disease
investigations, as well as establishing long-term surveillance
for effects of the emergency.
- The Director
of the Division Community Public Health is responsible
for the overall response of the division’s central
and field offices in the event that the Emergency Operations
Plan is activated. In such an event, the director or designee
shall notify the following:
- Director
of Public Health Nursing - Responsible for the deployment
of public health nurses in critical areas.
- Director
of Health Field Operations - Responsible for supervision
of the 12 district office directors.
- The Director
of the Division of Health Surveillance is responsible
for the coordination of the division’s resources
including epidemiological and laboratory services.
In the event that the Emergency Operations Plan is
activated the director or designee shall notify:
- The Administrator
of the Public Health Laboratory is responsible for
coordinating emergency laboratory services whether
performed by the state laboratory or another laboratory
provider as needed.
- The State
Epidemiologist - Responsible for the identification
and control of communicable disease outbreaks, including
data collection. Coordinates the activities of the
epidemiology field unit and epidemiology designees
at the district office level.
- The Director
of the Division of Health Improvement is responsible
for the overall response of the division’s resources
in whatever capacity is deemed appropriate by the
Emergency Coordinator in consultation with the director
of Health Improvement. The director shall in turn
notify program managers within the division, as necessary.
- The Director
of the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services
is responsible for the over all response of the divisions
resources in whatever capacity is deemed appropriate
by the Emergency Coordinator in consultation with
the director. The director shall in turn notify other
program managers within the division, as necessary:
- Agency
of Natural Resources
– The Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) representative
in the EOC coordinates the deployment of agency resources:
- The Director
of Planning is the Secretary's delegate and authorized
representative to the Emergency Operations Center. The
Director of Planning is also responsible for formulation
of emergency or disaster related planning.
- The Commissioner
of Environmental Conservation is responsible for the coordination
of all damage assessments performed by Agency personnel
regarding applicable state-wide Damage Surveys, including
Damage Survey Reports, and Final Inspections for municipal
water systems and pollution control facilities. The Commissioner
is responsible for coordination and communication with
municipal operators of wastewater treatment and water
supply facilities. The Commissioner is responsible for
the Hazardous Spill Team.
- The Commissioner
of Fish and Wildlife is responsible for monitoring and
coordinating with local, State and Federal agencies, whose
activities may have an impact on fish and wildlife habitat
in emergency or disaster situations. In most emergency
situations the state wardens are attached to the chain
of command of the Vermont State Police.
- The Commissioner
of Forests, Parks and Recreation is responsible for the
Agency's input into forest fire control, damage assessment,
Damage Survey Reports, and Final Inspections for state
forests and parks and recreational facilities and state
forests and parks road systems which may be affected by
disasters. Forests and Parks operate a radio system that
may become the primary means of communication for Agency
of Natural Resources in an emergency situation.
- Department
of Personnel - Emergency
or disaster situations within the State of Vermont are likely
to affect state employees in the performance of their regularly
assigned job duties or emergency functions assigned consistent
with this plan and may also create conditions affecting state
worksites. Such situations will primarily require a continuance
of the Department’s normal operations, or an extension
thereof to meet the human resources needs of other affected
State departments and/or employees.
- The Department’s
emergency responsibilities also include providing assistance
in communicating with State employees and locating additional
and/or specialized personnel for use in emergency or disaster
situations.
- The Department
maintains a listing of state employees volunteering to
work during emergency or disaster situations.
- Department
of Public Safety - The Department
of Public Safety is the agency of state government charged
with the protection of public peace and safety and the preservation
of life and property. The three divisions of DPS are:
- Division
of Emergency Management – see above
- Division
of State Police provides
- coordination
of all emergency police and law enforcement, special
services, and traffic control.
- Coordination
of landline, radio and microwave communications in
time of disaster.
- Assistance
to local political jurisdictions upon request of local
officials or as directed by the Commissioner or Governor.
- Organizing
and staffing district command centers as outlined
by the Governor.
- Providing
direct assistance to the SEOC during times of crisis
or disaster.
- Criminal
Justice Services provides:
- Forensic
laboratory services including a mobile crime scene
unit and full forensic laboratory analysis.
- Criminal
information via the Vermont Criminal Information Center
and the National Criminal Information Center.
- Computer
services.
- State
wide communication services and capabilities.
- Agency
of Transportation –
The Agency of Transportation (AOT) provides:
- The Commissioner
of Motor Vehicles is responsible for providing auxiliary
law enforcement and traffic control personnel and additional
portable radios (compatible with the State Police Radio
System). The Commercial Vehicle Permit Unit (CVPU) coordinates
with the Agency Bridge Inspection Unit, within the Project
Development Division, for the movement of oversized, over
dimension emergency vehicles. The CVPU also facilitates
the issuance of waiver of permits for special foreign
registered emergency vehicles, transporting emergency
commodities or machines for relief of a disaster.
- The Director
of Maintenance & Aviation is responsible for the activities
of the following delegated personnel:
- The District
Administrators for coordination of emergency repairs and
debris clearance, including clean up following hazardous
materials spills, on or affecting transportation systems
or facilities under his/her jurisdiction.
- The
Maintenance Programs Manager is tasked with coordinating
all Damage Assessment for Public Assistance, for all State,
Local, and Public Transportation Facilities.
- The Aviation
Program Manager for conducting/coordinating searches for
downed aircraft utilizing (by MOU) the USAF Aux. - Civil
Air Patrol (CAP) and other air related activities. Providing
information on the condition of all airports within the
state, and coordination with air carriers concerning their
ability to provide disaster relief.
- The Director
of Planning & Policy is responsible for coordination
with motor carriers concerning their ability to provide
sustaining service [or disaster relief.
- The Director
of Rail is responsible for coordination with rail carriers
concerning their ability to provide sustaining service
[or disaster relief.
- The Director
of Project Development is responsible for providing assistance
to Maintenance & Aviation, as requested, in preliminary
damage assessment, compiling all project worksheets and
Final Inspection Reports related to the repair or reconstruction
of systems under AOT jurisdiction.
- The Director
of Technical Services is responsible for providing assistance
to Maintenance & Aviation, as requested, in preliminary
damage assessment, compiling all [project worksheets]
and Final Inspection Reports related to the repair or
reconstruction of systems under [AOT] jurisdiction.
- Department
of Agriculture provides for:
- The Director
of Food and Farm Supply Services is responsible to coordinate
emergency food procurement, inspection of existing food
supplies, and assisting the Department of Health in monitoring
radiological contamination levels in agricultural products.
- The Director
of State Food Organizations is responsible for activating
the Vermont Emergency Resource Management Plan.
- The Director
of Animal and Dairy Industries Division is responsible
for inspection of dairy and meat products.
- The Director
of Plant Industry, Laboratory and Standards Division is
responsible for inspection of retail markets, green groceries,
packaging and pesticide formulation and use.
- Department
of Public Service provides:
- The Department
will assist in the recovery of utility companies and the
general public as required, and facilitate provision of
utility services for emergency use through the Director
of Vermont Emergency Management in the operation of the
State Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
- The Department
has the capability of providing support engineering personnel
to assist in damage assessment, Damage Survey Reports
and Final Inspection Reports involving electric, gas and
telecommunications utilities.
- A nuclear
engineer is located within the Department and is the Department's
expert on nuclear power generation. The nuclear engineer
examines the effects of proposed actions and plant shutdowns
upon the safety of plant personnel and surrounding population.
- A gas engineer
is also located within the Department and is responsible
for responding to, and assessing, any gas accidents.
- The Department
of Labor and Industry provides:
- Public Works
and Engineering - The Fire Prevention Division provides
a primary emergency service function through technical
advice, evaluation of buildings and structures, determination
of temporary protective measures, stabilization and demolition
of buildings, oversight of emergency and temporary electrical
power, liaison, direction and coordination of private
sector engineering services for buildings needed to supplement
state resources.
- Firefighting
– The Fire prevention provides a secondary emergency
service function through fire prevention and planning,
risk assessment for buildings, industrial hazards and
urban or developed areas. Information and advice is provided
utilizing a statewide database of fire detection, suppression
and fire incidents. The Vermont Occupational Safety &
Health Administration (VOSHA) Division provides a secondary
emergency service function through consultation and advice
for firefighter safety and health.
- Information
and Planning – The Fire Prevention and VOSHA Divisions
provide a primary emergency service function by collecting,
analyzing, processing and disseminating information on
potential or actual disaster or emergencies; and by participating
in planning activities at the state, regional and local
levels.
- Mass Care
– The Fire Prevention Division provides a secondary
emergency service function by ensuring the safety of emergency
shelters and care facilities, and planning for the safety
of pre-designated evacuation centers and shelters by inspection
of the facilities and education of the staff for facilities.
- Urban Search
and Rescue – The Fire Prevention Division provides
a secondary emergency service function by providing information
to the Incident Command Center on the status of building
evaluation and related hazards which is usable by search
and rescue teams and incident safety officers in analyzing
risks to the teams.
- Hazardous
Materials – The Fire Prevention Division provides
a secondary emergency service function through regulations
on the storage, handling and use of dangerous, explosive,
flammable and hazardous materials as well as statutory
authority for the seizure of such material. Information
and advice is provided at the incident command, district
command or E.O.C. level when needed to supplement the
state hazardous material response team. Coordination is
enhanced by Fire Prevention Division staff that are members
of the state hazardous material response team.
- Energy –
The Fire Prevention Division staff provides a primary
emergency service function through evaluation and assessment
of electrical service to buildings and areas, and safety
issues relative to damaged equipment and conductors. The
Division works with the Department of Public Service to
ensure a coordinated, safe system of disconnecting and
connecting electrical power to buildings and areas.
- The American
Red Cross provides:
- Volunteers
trained in various fields.
- Notification
services.
- Tracking of
lost or missing people.
- Mental health
services.
- Mass care
– feeding and shelter
- Family services.
- Emergency
Assistance Program.
- Logistics
– Procurement and distribution of supplies and materials
required for disaster relief, operation of warehouses,
and currier and shuttle services.
- Public Affairs
operations.
- Health services.
- Decontamination
Plan
Decontamination of
patients exposed to chemicals, radiological sources and in some
cases biological agents, is a critical part of the response
matrix for first responders. It is important to remember that
field patient decontamination is preferred. It reduces the risk
to the EMS community when treating and transporting victims
and will dramatically reduce the number of contaminated ambulances
from the transport of contaminated patients.
It is the intent
of the Department of Public Safety to establish at least one
trained decontamination team in each of the four Terrorism Management
Districts that when fully trained, will be capable of decontaminating
2 to 300 victims. Regionally based decontamination teams will
enhance the State’s decontamination capabilities and will
allow for the quick and effective deployment of these resources
throughout the state.
These teams may be
formed utilizing mutual aid agreements among local fire departments
or can be a single fire department capable of providing the
trained personnel to address the decontamination needs of the
region.
Each of these teams
will be equipped with a portable decontamination system (trailer)
that will have enclosed decontamination capability. Each system
will have the capability of deploying quickly and will have
heated water and runoff containment systems. In addition, each
trailer will have protective suits, booms, pads and other HAZMAT
related equipment needed not only for decontamination but for
operations level response to spills.
Hospitals around
the state have developed, or will be developing decontamination
resources to handle a very small number of potentially contaminated
patients who arrive at the hospitals outside of the EMS system.
However, these resources will not be able to manage large numbers
of contaminated victims and will depend on the regional decontamination
teams for additional decontamination resources.
- Mortuary
Responsibilities
The function of the
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) is to investigate
and certify deaths as mandated by VSA, Title 18, Section 5205.
By statute, the jurisdiction of any dead body in any medical
examiner case lies with the States Attorney who has jurisdiction
in the affected area and requires a police investigation. The
purpose of the Medical Examiners office is threefold:
- To confirm the
identification of human remains
- To document and
certify the cause and manner of death
- To coordinate
the release of the remains to the next of kin
It is expected that
the OCME will function in coordination with first response agencies
during follow up in response to a terrorist event. The decision
to activate the OCME Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) will lie
with the on-call personnel from the OCME. The OCME will activate
their EOP in a series of phased responses depending on the severity
of the event.
- Phase 3 –
Any event where the reported fatalities may or have reached
6-9 persons. This would activate the entire OCME staff and
assistance of the Fletcher Allen Health Care Pathology Department.
- Phase 2 –
Any event where the reported fatalities may or have reached
10-20 persons. This would activate the above staffing and
other Assistant Medical Examiners and Regional Medical Examiners
in the Chittenden County area to assist the OCME.
- Phase 1 –
Any event where the reported fatalities may or have reached
20 or more persons. This would activate the above staffing
plus the addition of assistance from FEMA Region 1 DMORT “Disaster
Mortuary Operational Response Team” or other states
in New England and/or New York.
The following guidelines
have been published by the OCME to assist first responders when
confronted with large numbers of fatalities:
- Notify the appropriate
authorities as soon as possible and provide them with a contact
person
- Provide an estimate
of the number of dead and an estimated time when medical examiner
authorities can safely enter the scene to initiate the investigation
and removal process.
- Do not move or
disturb bodies. Bodies may be covered for “humanitarian”
considerations.
- Remove bodies
ONLY with permission of the State’s Attorney or OCME
coordinator.
- If it becomes
necessary to move bodies to rescue the living or stabilize
the scene, keep bodies and associated artifacts together and
document how they are disturbed. This can be done with a brief
note attached to a MCI tag to identify the person who moved
the body.
- Establish an efficient
means of communication between the appropriate medical examiner
and the scene as early as possible.
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