Introduction to POD Operations

1. Introduction to POD Operations

2. 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

3. 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.

4. When can we expect to see one? • 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. • POD’s are operated under the authority of the Yolo County Health Officer and in coordination with the County Emergency Operations Center.

5. Alert & Notification • Staffing • Facility

6. 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

8. POD Positions -Sign In/Sign Out -First Aid -Equipment/Supplies -Interior Security -Inventory Control -Traffic Control -Griage (Greet and direct clients) -Mental Health Support -Medical Screening -Runners -Medical Consultant -Translators -Health Education -Data Management -Dispensing/Vaccination -Paperwork Collection

9. Responsibilities

10. Assets Provided The Health Department may provide supplies and medications for a POD including items such as: • 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)

11. POD In-a-Box

12. Set-up There are FOUR main areas to the set-up of a POD: • Organization of Staff • POD Design • Health & safety • Security Once these areas are set-up a POD can function for multiple days.

13. 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

14. Parking Every POD has maps: Staff Parking Patient Parking Ambulance Loading Zone Bus Loading Zone Delivery Doors Pet Holding Area

15. Security Identification Badges will have colored stripes indicating access to POD areas: • RED-Restricted Access • YELLOW-Moderate Access • GREEN-Open Access

16. Challenges When lots of people are in a small place during a stressful situation “something” is bound to happen! • Maintain Line Control • Assign a role for all volunteers • Follow chain of command for help • Be Polite!

17. 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

18. 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

19. Closing When the POD is authorized to , all staff are expected to help with the following: • 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

20. 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