Transcript Introduction to POD Operations

Introduction to POD
Operations
Objectives
By the end of this class you should be able to:
 Understand what purpose a POD serves
 Know when it opens and why
 Explain different kinds of personnel, set-up,
and security considerations for a POD
 Identify some of the key concerns with
coordinating a POD with large crowds
 Know who speaks to the Media
What is a POD?
Definition: Point of Dispensing
These are specific locations that can be
opened for the purpose of dispensing
(distributing) medication or giving
vaccinations to large populations in a
public health emergency.
When can we expect to
see one?
1. PODs are only opened when a large
portion of the population is determined
to be at great risk to a contagious
disease or other biological agent.
2. POD’s are operated under the authority
of the Yolo County Health Officer and in
coordination with the County
Emergency Operations Center.
Alert & Notification
Staffing
Facility
Personnel
 “Command” staff coordinate POD
Operations & ensure all POD staff are:
 Assigned a supervisor
 Provided work breaks
 All other Staff and Volunteers are
assigned a supervisor and role
Every POD follows basic
Incident Command System Principles
POD Manager
Operations Unit
Deputy
Press Assistant
Safety Lead
Logistics Unit
Deputy
Planning Unit
Deputy
Security/Safety Unit
Deputy
Griage
Inventory Control
Data Collection
Interior Security
Medical Screening
Runners
Administrative
Assistant
Traffic Control
Pharmacist &/or
Medical Consult
Translation
Sign In/Sign Out
Education
Equipment &
Supplies
Dispensing &/or
Vaccination
Support Services
(First Aid & Mental Health)
POD Positions
-Sign In/Sign Out
-First Aid
-Equipment/Supplies
-Inventory Control
-Griage (Greet and direct clients)
-Medical Screening
-Medical Consultant
-Health Education
-Dispensing/Vaccination
-Interior Security
-Traffic Control
-Mental Health Support
-Runners
-Translators
-Data Management
-Paperwork Collection
Responsibilities
Managers & Leads
Staff
Oversee POD Function
Monitor Client Flow
Authorize changes
Documentation
Responsible For
Information Flow
Dispense
Make sure your staff
have what they need to
do their jobs
Go to your assigned
Supervisor to request
supplies, staff, breaks or
problems
Assets Provided
The Health Department may provide
supplies and medications for a POD
including items such as:
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Computer
“POD in a Box” –Forms, POD protocols
Paper supplies, pens, tape, badges
Signage
Site Maps
Traffic Cones
Unit-measured medication packages or vaccine
Medical supplies (if needed)
POD In-a-Box
Set-up
There are FOUR main areas to the set-up of
a POD:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Organization of Staff
POD Design
Health & safety
Security
Once these areas are set-up a POD can
function for multiple days.
POD Design
There are various ways to organize a POD:
1. Drive-Thru
3. Express Screening
2. Clinical Screening 4. Self Screening
Pay special attention to:
Supplies
Crowd Control
Clinic Areas
Staff Areas
Parking
Every POD has maps:
Staff Parking
Patient Parking
Ambulance Loading Zone
Bus Loading Zone
Delivery Doors
Pet Holding Area
Security
Identification Badges will have colored
stripes indicating access to POD areas:
 RED-Restricted Access
 YELLOW-Moderate Access
 GREEN-Open Access
Challenges
When lots of people are in a small place
during a stressful situation “something” is
bound to happen!
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Maintain Line Control
Assign a role for all volunteers
Follow chain of command for help
Be Polite!
Down Time
During Slow Periods:
 Check in with supervisor to request a
break to get food or use restroom
 Organize your station
 Re-stock supplies
 Keep work area clean
 Communicate with your Supervisor
Special Considerations
Mental Health Support Services
Intoxicated/Disruptive/Traumatized
Mentally Handicapped
Co-Worker stress
Behavioral Screening or anxiety
Special Needs
Physically Handicapped
Elderly
Children
Non-English Speakers (Monolingual)
Media – designated POD staff only
Closing
When the POD is authorized to
,
all staff are expected to help with the
following:
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Return any unused materials for inventory
Collect all paperwork
Help survey and clean the facility
Participate in De-Brief
Turn in your ID Badge & Vest
REMEMBER to Sign-In and Sign-Out
Thank you
Be sure that you have signed the “Intro to
POD” class sign-in sheet so that you can
get your completion certificate.
Command Staff Class – Class #2
POD Manager Class – Class #3