MEAS

238 CLINICAL I

Assignment: Emergency Preparedness

(XI.C.11. Discuss critical elements of an emergency plan for response to a natural disaster or other
emergency; XI.C.12. Identify emergency preparedness plans in your community; XI.C.13. Discuss potential
role(s) of the medical assistant in emergency preparedness)

Objective: To understand the purpose of an emergency preparedness plan; to provide knowledge and
increase awareness of the critical elements of an emergency plan for a response to a natural disaster or
other emergency; to identify what emergency preparedness plans are in the students community; and
to discuss the potential role(s) of the medical assistant in emergency preparedness.

Assignment: The student is to research the subject of emergency preparedness through accessing the
following government websites: The Center for Disease Control (CDC), Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA), National Disaster Medical System (NDMS), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
(HHS; specifically, the Office of Preparedness and Emergency Operations), and the federal and/or state
level of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). You are to research EACH website and form your
answers from the information gathered. Your answers are NOT to be pasted and copied, or word for
word. If you must use a direct quote in an answer, be sure to include a citation.

Assignment Directions:

The student is to answer each question following these required formatting elements: (5 pts)
Cover Page: Student Name, Course Number and Title, Assignment Title, Date
Each question must be typed, numbered, and the answer must begin double-spaced below the
question.
Answers must be typed, single-spaced, and in standard, college English composition style; using
correct spelling, sentence and paragraph structure, and punctuation must be used
There is no specific length required of any answer; however, each answer must completely
address every element of the question
Direct quotes are cited/referenced properly
Reference Page (5 pts)


Questions: Provide your answers based upon your research of the assigned websites.

1. From your research, define; in a brief paragraph the phrase emergency preparedness using your
own words. (10 pts)

2. Natural disasters are caused by meteorological or geological events. They include earthquakes,
floods, heat waves, hurricanes, tornadoes, winter storms, volcanic eruptions, and wildfires.
Although these events can happen anywhere, some are more likely to occur in specific
geographic areas than in others. Of those events listed, select three you believe could most
likely happen in our geographic location of Southern Indiana and Northern Kentucky. Next, give
a brief summary of how and/or why the event usually occurs. Then, discuss (separately) the
potential/likely impact of each of the three events on the people and community. (20 pts)


3. In your research you no doubt found there are elements that are critical to any emergency
response plan to a natural disaster or other emergency. These critical elements might include
basics such as food, fresh water, shelter, medical care, etc. But they may also include security,
telecommunications, human resources, vital records, banking, etc. Discuss these elements and
why they are critical, and how they might be addressed and/or provided for in an emergency
plan. (10 pts)


4. Briefly discuss what the potential role(s) of the medical assistant in emergency preparedness
might be. (10 pts)

5. When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it is best to think first about the basics of
survival: fresh water, food, clean air, and warmth. Prepare an itemized list of items, which are
recommended to be included in a basic emergency supply kit. (10 points)

6. Also, prepare a list of additional items, which may not be considered essential, but, may be
necessary, or come in very handy during an emergency situation; especially one that might last
more than a few hours/days. (10 pts)

7. After your research, prepare a current list of community resources for emergency preparedness
beneficial to you both personally and as a professional health care worker (medical assistant).
When prepare your list, recognize the importance of updating and maintaining a current list.
(20 pts)


Emergency Preparedness

Evaluation Worksheet



Total Points Possible: 70 points


________
Cover Page & Format

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References


________
Question 1


________
Question 2


________
Question 3


________
Question 4


________
Question 5


________
Question 6


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Question 7



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TOTAL POINTS/100

STUDENT: ____________________________________

5 pts.

5 pts.

10 pts.

20 pts.

10 pts.

10 pts.

10 pts.

10 pts.

20 pts.