drills…..the forgotten exercise activity …..not really
TRANSCRIPT
Drills…..The Forgotten Exercise Activity…..Not Really.
Building-Block Approach
Discussion Based
Operations Based
Most Familiar Exercise Types
• Tabletop Exercise (Discussion Based Exercise)
• Functional Exercise (Operations Based Exercise)
• Full-Scale Exercise (Operations Based Exercise)
Tabletop Exercise
• Discussion based exercise (i.e. talking not doing)
• Facilitated analysis of an emergency situation
• Informal, stress-free environment
• Designed to elicit constructive discussion
• Participants resolve problems based on existing plans and identifying needed changes
Functional Exercise
• Fully simulated interactive exercise that tests the capability of an organization to respond to a simulated incident
Involves no movement of equipment
• Tests multiple functions in a coordinated response (EOC environment)
• Events are projected through a scripted exercise scenario
• Time-pressured
• Realistic simulation
Full-Scale Exercise• Simulates a real incident as closely as possible
• Evaluates the operational capability of emergency management systems in a highly stressful environment
• Requires mobilization of multiple resources and organizations (e.g., law enforcement, fire, EMS, EMA)
• Players respond as if it were an actual incident, with minimal interference from controllers or evaluators
• Should test and evaluatemost functions of the plan
Then What Is a Drill?
• Operations based exercise activity
– Not a tabletop
– Not a functional
– Not a full-scale
– A DRILL!
Drills• Have a narrow focus and are conducted in a training
environment
• A coordinated, supervised exercise activity normally used to test a single specific operation or function/capability
• No coordination, no EOC
• Involve equipment and personnel in a realistic environment
• Purpose: Perfect one small part of a response plan and help prepare for more extensive exercises
Conducting a Drill
• Prepare: Review operational procedures and safety precautions beforehand
• Set the stage: Present purpose, objectives, scenario
• Monitor the action: Intervene if necessary to keep the drill on track
Who Is Involved in a Drill?
• Players
• Actors (limited)
• Controllers
• Evaluators
• Observers/VIPs
Other Considerations• Should provide designated area
for response operations during exercise play
• Weather conditions
• Date and time
– Exercise date and time affect exercise play
– Population demographics
Weekday versus weekend
Morning versus night
Lessons Learned:
Focus more on the training aspects of
doing it right. Repeat if necessary.
Sample Drill Site
Logistics
• Logistical considerations for Drills include:– Venue– Restrooms– Water and food– Communications– Videotaping (Training)– Props and devices– Site security– Safety
Examples of Drills
• Notification
• Communications
• Evacuation (fire)
• Shelter-in-Place (tornado)
• Lockdown (active shooter)
• Decontamination
• Triage
• Crime scene preservation
• Threat awareness (recognition)
Questions/Comments
Darren Price, MEPExercise Program Manager
Ohio Emergency Management Agency2855 West Dublin Granville Road
Columbus, OH 43235(614) 799-3660
Contact Information