PasadoRescue Disaster Summit
Summary
After 9 hours of deliberation, open format Q & A, and break out round
table discussion, there were 4 main points that seemed to be foremost in
peoples minds (see entire After Action Review [AAR] listed below):
1. a clearly defined ICS (Incident Command System)
2. better documentation / maintenance of documentation in a database
3. mental health and well being of disaster response personnel
4. proper training for each volunteer job description
In addition to REQUIRING longer volunteer response intervals to reduce
lost time in turnover training, this is some of how Pasado’s Safe Haven
is preparing to address each of these points:
1. A clearly defined ICS
• upon arrival to a defined “check in” site, every volunteer will be
briefed on their job role as well as instructed on how/who to approach
with
needs and/or concerns
• Pasado’s is developing handbooks that distinctly define each
role and every job description within an animal rescue disaster response
~
these handbooks will be made publicly available as well as being present
at each Pasado’s rescue site
• at each disaster response site, there will be an actual flow chart
visible with the “who’s who” within the site’s ICS
2. Better documentation / maintenance of documentation around
site and in a database
• all documentation will be standardized and scrutinized by
designated team leads ~ from volunteer check-in to intake to recovery
reuniting/adoption processing
• training on what is deemed acceptable record keeping will take
place before and during a disaster response
• American Red Cross and Pasado’s are working on a bar-coding
process that can be immediately put into a computer data base with
corresponding pertinent information (i.e. the exact address the animal
came from, where it’s owner may be temporarily sheltered, medical issues
etc.)
• The most effective bar-code “application” on the animals body is
being researched presently
3. Mental health and well being of disaster response personnel
• American Red Cross has a wonderfully established
pre-deployment and post-deployment confidential disaster health
evaluation process for their volunteer base. Pasado’s is working towards
utilizing this process as effectively for their animal rescue volunteer
base
• there will be de-briefing each evening in order to review the day’s
events and prepare for the following day
• scheduled shifts will be established in order to prevent
“burn-out” and provide adequate down-time
4. Proper training for each volunteer job description
• Aware of the fact that there will be SDV’s (Self Deployed
Volunteers – untrained), at check–in, on site trainers will instruct for
job
postings that render all persons essential as well as safe in a disaster
response environment
After Action Review (AAR)
What Went Well
• There was no hesitation to go down to New Orleans
• Web site was good resource for information and communication
• Good leadership and communication both onsite and off site given the
circumstances
• Utilizing laminated number/ID placards left at homes where animals
were rescued
• Animal care, cleanliness and feeding was exceptionally good
• Egos of both leaders and volunteers were kept in check very well
• Organization of animals ~ isolating sick animals from healthy and
aggressive animals from non-aggressive prevented additional stress on
people and animals physically and emotionally
• Coordinating logistics from WA State was effective
• Media coverage was effective
• Delegation of management roles overseeing specific areas and volunteer
jobs was sound and practical
• Hygiene of animal and human facilities was excellent
• Utilization of local volunteers (doing laundry, providing food,
helping care for the animals) was good PR as well as effective use of
regional resources
What Needed Improvement
• Lack of scheduled shifts to allow for down time
• Volunteer sign in and sign out
• Security
• Lack of a diagram/information explaining Chain of Command to new
volunteers
• Volunteer orientation was inadequate
• Lack of mental health resources for rescuers both on site and
returning home
• Inconsistency of food types for animals may have created GI problems
• Not enough Veterinarians
• Inadequate screening of volunteers (SDV’s ~ self-deployed volunteers ~
untrained)
• Greater need for standardizing equipment found in each rescue van
• Pre-evaluation of shelters before animal transport
What Might Be Done Differently For Greater Success
• More media coverage for: a) increased public response and b) increased
public funding
• Staple guns for laminated placards
• Laminating machine for placards and animal ID records
• Better tracking of information / ID numbers associated with rescued
animals ~ ideally, scannable into a database to not misplace the
information
• When rescuing from a residence, take digital photo of piece of mail
(name and address) or license plate of car in driveway in conjunction
with photo of animal from that residence
• Follow up more effectively with shelters that took animals from
Pasado’s Staging Facility (i.e. provide funding for reunion expenses,
maintain long term contact for future association, identify where the
animals go when they leave the shelter)
• Record the full name, or designated ID number of the rescuing
volunteer on intake forms ~ not just initials
• Provide food for the volunteers ~ possibly utilizing the American Red
Cross ERV (Emergency Response Vehicle) food supplies
• Maintain better communication within Field Operations
• Create better defined job descriptions for all team members
• Evening de-briefings for everyone
• Instructional/Reminder signs posted throughout rescue facilities (i.e.
Dog Walking Area Only, Restricted to Vet Staff etc.)
• Bar-code animals (with durable equipment), paperwork and people
associated with animal
• Identify job descriptions, prerequisites and expectations on web site
before volunteers deploy
• Provide more cameras (preferably digital ~ in order to download into
database easily)
• Create some way to identify each job role (i.e. color coded wrist
bands for aggressive dog handlers, management levels, cat caretakers,
veterinarians etc)
• Make sure strong protocol is in place for disease control and
containment (both for people and animals)
ANNOUNCING!
Pasado’s is starting to plan for Disaster Response Training Courses. We
expect to offer them as soon as Spring 2007! Here are some of the
classes to watch out for:
--Disaster types ~ how to prepare for
them and respond during them
--Setting up temporary shelters and protocol
--What roles in disaster response can volunteers fill
--Break-in techniques and safety
--Trapping techniques
--Proper animal handling / How to handle aggressive animals
--Equine and large animal rescue protocol
--Animal First Aid
--How to administer medication to animals
--Documentation and record keeping
--Many more …
Please keep checking our website for updates!
|
