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Source: http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_10614309
Workshop focuses on pandemic event
Workshop focuses on pandemic event
By Robert S. Hong, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 10/01/2008 10:30:42 PM PDT
ARCADIA - Emergency response officials from around Los Angeles County gathered at the Arboretum on Wednesday for a workshop on disaster preparedness.
The county's Department of Mental Health hosted the event, at which law enforcement, fire, and county health officials were lectured on the psychological impacts that could result from the outbreak of a pandemic flu.
"In a crisis, (first responders) have concerns about themselves and their own families, as well as the public," said Ken Kondo, public information officer for the department.
The focus was on how a pandemic flu outbreak could effect the mental health of the public, and how these first responders should react if such a flu were to break out.
A pandemic flu can be caused by any dangerous virus strain for which there is no vaccine and which can spread rapidly.
Staying focused in the face of a crisis like a pandemic flu - which could last long and claim many lives - is vital for first responders, Kondo said.
While treating sick people, it is also crucial to help victims and family members psychologically traumatized by the event, which is why many county mental health workers respond to disasters, he said.
"We're tackling issues such as panic and fear and how you manage that when a pandemic hits," said Halla Alsabagh, disaster coordinator for the department.
Officials heard various guest speakers, and participated in workshops that simulated a pandemic flu outbreak.
In simulated crisis situations, officials went over the stages of how a flu pandemic spreads and how panic can grip the community. They reviewed how to respond to concerns and tackle the psychological aspects of a crisis, both for medical officials and the people they serve.
"If we're able to facilitate our operations and protect our first responders, we will be able to more effectively manage a pandemic," said Los Angeles City Assistant Fire Chief Tony Varela. "If we can better respond and protect them, response to the community will be better and quicker."
robert.hong@sgvn.com
(626) 578-6300, Ext. 4586
Workshop focuses on pandemic event
Workshop focuses on pandemic event
By Robert S. Hong, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 10/01/2008 10:30:42 PM PDT
ARCADIA - Emergency response officials from around Los Angeles County gathered at the Arboretum on Wednesday for a workshop on disaster preparedness.
The county's Department of Mental Health hosted the event, at which law enforcement, fire, and county health officials were lectured on the psychological impacts that could result from the outbreak of a pandemic flu.
"In a crisis, (first responders) have concerns about themselves and their own families, as well as the public," said Ken Kondo, public information officer for the department.
The focus was on how a pandemic flu outbreak could effect the mental health of the public, and how these first responders should react if such a flu were to break out.
A pandemic flu can be caused by any dangerous virus strain for which there is no vaccine and which can spread rapidly.
Staying focused in the face of a crisis like a pandemic flu - which could last long and claim many lives - is vital for first responders, Kondo said.
While treating sick people, it is also crucial to help victims and family members psychologically traumatized by the event, which is why many county mental health workers respond to disasters, he said.
"We're tackling issues such as panic and fear and how you manage that when a pandemic hits," said Halla Alsabagh, disaster coordinator for the department.
Officials heard various guest speakers, and participated in workshops that simulated a pandemic flu outbreak.
In simulated crisis situations, officials went over the stages of how a flu pandemic spreads and how panic can grip the community. They reviewed how to respond to concerns and tackle the psychological aspects of a crisis, both for medical officials and the people they serve.
"If we're able to facilitate our operations and protect our first responders, we will be able to more effectively manage a pandemic," said Los Angeles City Assistant Fire Chief Tony Varela. "If we can better respond and protect them, response to the community will be better and quicker."
robert.hong@sgvn.com
(626) 578-6300, Ext. 4586