HCA 415: Community and Public Health- Public Health Disasters & Preparedness

HCA 415: Community and Public Health

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Scenario No. 1: “Dragon/Volcano Emergency Response”

Understanding how to respond to even the direst situations is of critical importance when responding to

emergencies. In this particular scenario we suspend some realities and indulge a little. Although this

exercise is playful in nature the principles of t his week’s teachings still apply. Students still will have to

apply their knowledge of emergency response and preparedness and the interactions and coordination

between various organizations.

Brief Demographics: The city is located in the dry western clim ate with a population around 1.5 million.

Your city has five major hospitals serving all parts of this particular city and its outlying communities.

There is city wide transit system that consists of subways and buses. Since your city is densely populated,

many people rely on the city wide transit system for transportation.

Main Industry: Located on the city’s north side is one of the largest research facilities in geological

science and genetics. However, it is known worldwide for its research in genetics and genetic mutations

because the lab’s focus has been to create a sustainable food source through genetic replications and/or

mutations.

Main Geographic Concern: The city is home to an active volcano which has not erupted since the early

1800s. Recent ge ological digs and mining as part of the research facility’s geological science work has

caused a series of eruptions and lava to spew out on the north end of your city. Because of dry grasses and

brush, fires are often sparked by the volcano but have been kept under control by the well -prepared fire

department and emergency response teams.

The Scenario:

Two research scientists had been experimenting with reptiles and frozen dinosaur DNA without the

knowledge of their supervisors. Their claim is that they were working toward making a larger food source

with one larger animal rather than attempting to duplicate smaller creatures more often. However, their

most recent experiment – while successful – escaped and is wreaking havoc among the city’s population.

This creature, a genetic mutation that resembles a fire -breathing dragon is approximately 60 feet tall

weighing approximately 100 tons is now on the loose. Not only has this creature trampled down buildings

and people, it has started fires within the hot vo lcano area of the city’s north side.

The Problem: You have a genetically engineer creature mutation that is causing fire damage to the city

and dry grassy areas in the north end of town. You have an active volcano that has been sparking fires in

the same s ection of town. The immediate threat is to the north end of town where approximately 250,000 HCA 415: Community and Public Health

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people make their home. The creature is heading toward the downtown area, leaving fire in its wake along

with other damages.

Your Review: Factor out the issues, f ollow official protocol and consider the questions above. What do

you tell the public?