The document is an AOHC Member Planning Guide and Communications Plan that provides guidance for emergency planning and preparedness for a potential flu pandemic. It outlines the need for emergency planning, recommended community interventions, and an overview of AOHC's preparation guide and communications plan. The communications plan describes internal and external communications strategies and establishing a daily information cycle to ensure timely sharing of updates between government, organizations, and the public during a health emergency situation. It also addresses stockpiling supplies and asks members if they have identified emergency planning leads.

1. AOHC Member
Planning Guide & Communications Plan
Dr Roohullah Shabon
Director Education & Development, AOHC
January 15, 2009

2. Agenda
• Why Emergency Planning & Preparedness For
Flu Pandemic?
• The AOHC Planning Guide
• The AOHC Communications Plan
• Stockpiling
AOHC Member Planning Guide and Communications Plan

3. What is an Emergency Plan?
 An emergency plan can be defined as
an agreed set of arrangements for
responding to, and recovering from
emergencies, involving the description
of responsibilities, management
structures, strategies and resources
(WHO).
AOHC Member Planning Guide and Communications Plan

4. Why Plan for an Emergency?
True or False?
• Everybody knows what to do during emergency
• Emergencies are unpredictable, and impossible to
plan for
• People don’t follow plans in emergencies
• The development of emergency plan will worry the
public
AOHC Member Planning Guide and Communications Plan

5. Time for Preparedness Planning is Now!
Good emergency planning and being prepared
for the challenge like Flu Pandemic in
advance might reduce mortality, morbidity
and social disruption of a pandemic
AOHC Member Planning Guide and Communications Plan

6. Community-Based Interventions
to Limit Spread of Pandemic Influenza
• Isolation
• Quarantine
• Social Distancing
• Infection Control
(Central for disease control and prevention)
AOHC Member Planning Guide and Communications Plan

7. AOHC Member Planning Guide and Communications Plan

8. Management of Emergency
Emergency Planning mostly does not require
the creation of a new emergency
management organization- it utilizes the
abilities and resources of existing
organizations to create an effective and
efficient system.
AOHC Member Planning Guide and Communications Plan

9. AOHC Preparation Guide for an Influenza
Pandemic
• A “best guess” document
• Organizational preparedness
• Needs assessment
• Work plan and operation priorities
• Incident management and infection control
• Information, Communications and Education (ICE)
• Testing your plan
• Checklists, Q&A and other resources
• Feedback
AOHC Member Planning Guide and Communications Plan

10. Information, Communications, and
Education (ICE) Plan
• AOHC is on MOHLTC Emergency Management Unit
Healthcare Stakeholder Council - communications
• There have been no updates for or meetings of this
group since 2007
• Lots of questions remain
AOHC Member Planning Guide and Communications Plan

11. Internal Communications
• Lead person
• Role description
• Predict no-shows
• Can staff find out their role from home?
• Changes in procedure, service & support
AOHC Member Planning Guide and Communications Plan

12. External Communications
 Liaising with public health
 Liaising with partners & stakeholders
 Role in Flu Assessment Centers
 Communications with community
 Communication with AOHC
AOHC Member Planning Guide and Communications Plan

13. Information and Education
 Information packages / sessions for clients
 Promoting individual planning
 Promoting telephone-based services
 Exercises, drills, scenario planning
 Promoting coordination
 Continuous staff training and education
 Daily Schedule
AOHC Member Planning Guide and Communications Plan

14. MOHLTC Emergency Management Unit
Daily Information Cycle
 To ensure timely and effective
communications between the government,
public and private stakeholders and the
general public in the event of a significant
health emergency such as an influenza
pandemic.
AOHC Member Planning Guide and Communications Plan

15. Daily Information Cycle is based on the
following principles:
• Timely information is critical
• Two-way communication
• Proper use of communication tools
• Planned and predictable communication
AOHC Member Planning Guide and Communications Plan

16. AOHC Member Planning Guide and Communications Plan

17. AOHC Member Planning Guide and Communications Plan

18. We Are Looking For Medical Advisor!
AOHC Member Planning Guide and Communications Plan

19. Stockpiling
What can you do in the meantime?
 The ministry continues to build its provincial
stockpile of Personal Protection Equipment
(PPE)
 Obtain annual influenza vaccine
 Be prepared to participate in the Sector and
Regional Pandemic Plans and bulk
procurement.
AOHC Member Planning Guide and Communications Plan

20. Questions for You?
 Have you identified an emergency focal
person in your CHC?
 Are we ready?
AOHC Member Planning Guide and Communications Plan

21. Thank You!
AOHC Member Planning Guide and Communications Plan