Published: June 30, 2006 11:25 pm      

Mock drill prepares for pandemic

The drill served its purpose for continuing provisions.

By KEVIN LILLY

Pharos-Tribune staff writer



Thursday’s mock drill for pandemic influenza was practice, not only in case an avian flu virus mutates into a new form able to pass from human to human.

The mock drill also readied emergency and public health agencies for bioterrorism attacks and a number of other major emergencies.

The drill, which took place from 10 a.m. to noon at the Cass County Fairgrounds, was a test run of the state-required plan of action spearheaded six months earlier by Dr. Pat Badt, the local public health coordinator for the Cass County Health Department.

When volunteer “patients” entered the fairgrounds at the second entrance heading east, they were directed by Logansport Police officers to the parking area on the southwest corner of the property.

Patients, men, women, and children, then went to the screening area where forms were filled out. Each person had to draw from a basket to find out how ill they were supposed to be. Some drew “no signs/symptoms” while others were deemed high risk because of their “congestion, aching muscles, fever, soar throat.”

Those with flu-like symptoms went directly to the medication distribution tables after their forms were completed. Those without symptoms had the chance to learn more about influenza by watching the Oprah show with infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm. A PowerPoint presentation was also on hand.

At all times, rides to and from the various areas were available.

Medication was distributed by registered nurses depending on symptoms. A psychiatric counseling table was set up for those having problems coping with being ill or having sick family members.

Security, consisting of police officers and sheriff deputies, was on hand to handle anyone who lost control.

Once medicated with antibiotics meant to relieve the symptoms, patients were either sent home or transported to a waiting area on fairgrounds property. The waiting area was not actually part of Thursday’s practice run. It was discussed in theory later.

In a pandemic influenza situation, hospitals have the right to refuse patients to keep the facility “clean.” That means no one with flu-like symptoms would be admitted for treatment. That is where the mock drill comes into play.

The fairgrounds became a point of distribution, or POD, Thursday. It became a place where mass amounts of people can go to get treatment for symptoms only since the flu itself is a virus and cannot be cured.

Badt said the Indiana State Department of Health expects a POD to process 600 patients an hour. Thursday there were 104 “patients” processed by 62 workers in two hours.

The mock drill was considered a success because of the opportunity to see the plan in action, rather than discussing it in meetings.

Reviewing and fine tuning the plan is next. Preparations by the local health department, in conjunction with several agencies, continue.

By conducting the preparedness drills, Cass County is meeting requirements for additional grants from Homeland Security initiatives.

There were representatives from four area counties observing the drill.

A meeting to discuss how the drill went and what improvements need to be made is scheduled for July 6.

Future mock drills will be conducted and the call for volunteers is continual. They are always in demand. For those interested in participating in preparedness, contact Dr. Pat Badt at 753-6966.

Kevin Lilly can be reached at 722-5000, Ext. 5117, or via e-mail at kevin.lilly@pharostribune.com