According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1,000 cases of measles were confirmed in 28 states from January 1 through mid-June. This represents the greatest number of cases reported in the United States since 1992 and since measles was declared eliminated in 2000. In response to this increase, a multi-jurisdictional group of community health and other organizations recently gathered at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital, part of Ascension Wisconsin in Rhinelander, for a tabletop exercise on measles.
Twenty-four representatives from 14 area agencies participated in the exercise, which focused on three possible scenarios where suspected cases of measles could impact the community.
“Preparation to respond to any event, no matter the size or scope starts with talking about it,” said Jim Monarski, Safety Officer for Ascension Wisconsin’s facilities in the Northwoods. “This tabletop exercise led to some valuable collaborative discussion from participants.”
From a simulated suspected measles case at a summer camp to potential patients accessing healthcare facilities at an emergency department or clinic, the three-phase exercise focused on initial response and things to consider for each organization when it comes to this highly infectious disease.
“I think everyone who participated was able to identify some strengths as well as things to work on for their organization when it comes to measles,” Jim said, “That is what we hope to accomplish by holding these tabletop exercises.”
Photo: Jim Monarski (right), regional safety officer for Ascension Wisconsin, demonstrates an Isopod, which is used for isolation transport by EMS agencies, to participants of a tabletop exercise on measles preparedness at Ascension St. Mary’s.
