EDS Incident Command System
Tabletop Exercise
[Exercise Location]
[Exercise Date]
Welcome and Overview
Purpose
•	The purpose of this exercise is to provide participants an opportunity to evaluate current response concepts, plans, and capabilities for a response to a bioterrorism event in [Jurisdiction].  The exercise will focus on local emergency responder command and control coordination, and critical decisions necessary to save lives and protect public health and safety. 
Scope
•	The exercise will focus on the role of [Jurisdiction] in response to potential consequences of a bioterrorist event
•	Processes and decision-making are more important than minute details
•	The emphasis is on coordination, integration of capabilities, problem identification and resolution
Target Capability:
Onsite Incident Management
Objectives
•	Assess the adequacy of [Your Town]’s incorporation of National Incident Management System principles into EDS planning, in accordance with Massachusetts Department of Public Health EDS guidance.  

•	Identify the necessary components of an Incident Action Plan to be developed by EDS staff during a biological terrorism incident in accordance with Incident Command System protocols.  

•	Assess the ability of the Emergency Dispensing Site Coordinator/Director to identify and assign staff to Emergency Dispensing Site positions in accordance with the Incident Command System/NIMS during a biological terrorism incident. 
 
•	Examine the process for the EDS staff to establish incident objectives and priorities during a biological terrorism incident in accordance with the Incident Command System principles.  

•	Assess the ability of the EDS staff to evaluate and revise Incident Action Plans and objectives during a biological terrorism incident in accordance with Incident Command Systems protocols.  

•	Assess the adequacy of EDS staff implementation of Incident Command System/NIMS principles into EDS operations during a biological terrorism incident, in accordance with standard operating procedures and EDS guidance. 
Participants
•	Players
–	Respond to situations presented
•	Observers
–	Support  players as they develop responses to the scenario
•	Facilitators
–	Provide situational updates and moderate discussions
•	Evaluators
–	Observe and record discussions
Exercise Structure & Guidelines
•	Three modules, each comprised of…
–	Multimedia situation updates
–	Moderated group discussion of response issues
•	This is an open, low-stress, no-fault environment. Varying viewpoints, even disagreements, are expected
•	Consider different approaches and suggest improvements
•	Base your responses on the current capabilities of your agency
•	Feel free to visit other participants
Assumptions & Artificialities
•	The scenario is plausible, and events occur as they are presented.
•	There is no “hidden agenda”, nor any trick questions.
•	All players receive information at the same time.
Agenda
[Time]
[Time]
[Time]
[Time]
[Time]
[Time]
[Time]

Registration
Welcome and Overview
Introduction
Module 1: Increased Threat
Module 2: Detection and Activation
Module 3: On-going Response
Hot Wash
Module 1: Increased Threat
[Month, Day, Hour]
•	Credible intelligence at home and abroad has projected the possibility of a terrorist attack on U.S. soil.  

•	By order of the Executive Office and the Department of Homeland Security, the threat level has been increased to Red (Severe Risk).

•	Intelligence and Health Care Communities have heightened awareness and surveillance measures 

•	A white powder incident in downtown Philadelphia is confirmed to be Anthrax. 

Discussion
Module 2: Detection and Activation
[Month, Day, Hour]
•	A suspect white powder case is report in [Your Town/City].  Law enforcement believes the situation may be an act of bio-terrorism. 

•	Results from the State Lab have confirmed the substance as weaponized anthrax.  

•	Federal, State and Local officials have agreed that mass prophylaxis is needed to treat those exposed within 48 hours.
[Month, Day, Hour]
•	[Town/City] has deployed resources and opened an initial Emergency Dispensing Site (EDS) at [name of an EDS] at [EDS address].

•	The doors at [EDS name] have opened to the general public and the dispensing staff from [City/Region] Medical Reserve Corps are ready to begin dispensing medication.
Discussion
Module 3: On-going Response
[Month, Day, Hour]
•	[EDS name] is fully operational and filled with citizens.  

•	While people continue to fill the halls of [EDS name], the staff have begun to prepare for the shift change and the next operational period. 

•	The [Your Agency] liaison at the Emergency Operations Center has requested a detailed Situation Report (Sitrep) from the EDS staff.

Discussion
Hot Wash
Hot Wash
•	Strengths 

•	Areas for Improvement

•	Next Steps for [Your City/Town]
Thank you for participating!
[Department name]
[Phone #]
[Email address]