SNS Planning Elements
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, critical decisions, notifications, and the integration of State and Federal assets 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:
Mass Prophylaxis
Objectives
•	Discuss the process [Your Town/City] will take for prophylaxis of EDS staff, first responders, critical infrastructure personnel and their families prior to the activation of an Emergency Dispensing Site, in accordance with the EDS Plan and standard operating procedures. 

•	Examine the procedure for EDS staff to request state assistance prior to, during, and after a biological terrorism incident, in accordance with the EDS Plan and standard operating procedures. 

•	Review the process for EDS staff to receive standing orders, during a biological terrorism incident, in accordance with standard operating procedures and the EDS Plan. 

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: Detection and Activation
Module 2: Response Underway
Module 3: On-going Operations
Hot Wash
Module 1: Detection and Activation
[Month, Day, Hour]
•	Credible intelligence at home and abroad has projected the possibility of a terrorist attack on U.S. soil. Intelligence and Health Care Communities have heightened awareness and surveillance measures.  

•	A white powder incident in [Your Town/City] is confirmed by the State Lab as Anthrax.  Mass prophylaxis is needed to treat those exposed within 48 hours.  
[Month, Day, Hour]
•	[Your Town/City] has deployed resources to open an initial Emergency Dispensing Site (EDS) at [name of an EDS] at [EDS address]. 

•	It is clear that local supplies will not be adequate for this size of this operation and additional assistance from the State may be needed. 

Discussion
Module 2: Response Underway
[Month, Day, Hour]
•	[Your Town] officials are waiting to receive further instructions on how to proceed with the response operation. 

•	[Your Town] officials have just received word that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has issued a Standing Order for the appropriate medical countermeasures.

Discussion
Module 3: On-going Operations
[Month, Day, Hour]
•	[Your Town/Region] Medical Reserve Corps volunteers and other response personnel at [EDS name], have raised concerns about the severity of the anthrax attack .

•	Response staff and [Your Town/Region] Medical Reserve Corps volunteers have asked questions about their own safety and the well-being of their families at home.  

•	Some staff members have brought members of their households to the EDS in hopes of getting medication for their protection.

Discussion
Hot Wash
Hot Wash
•	Strengths 

•	Areas for Improvement

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