In an increasingly complex and unpredictable world, the ability of healthcare systems to respond effectively to crises is more critical than ever. From natural disasters and pandemics to mass casualty events, a well-defined and expertly executed emergency plan can mean the difference between chaos and coordinated care. This training program is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to a wide range of public health emergencies.

This course goes beyond theory to provide a hands-on approach to crisis management in a healthcare setting. Participants will engage in scenario-based exercises, learn best practices for multi-agency collaboration, and develop the leadership capabilities required to make critical decisions under pressure. By fostering a culture of preparedness, this program aims to build resilient healthcare organizations capable of protecting their communities and ensuring continuity of essential services, no matter the challenge.

Duration

5 days

Target Audience

• Public health officers and epidemiologists
• Hospital and clinic administrators
• Emergency room physicians and nurses
• First responders and paramedics
• Disaster management coordinators
• Government health policy makers
• Community health workers
• Security and risk managers in healthcare
• Researchers in public health
• Non-governmental organization staff

Objectives

• Evaluate potential threats and hazards to public health systems.
• Develop comprehensive emergency response and continuity of operations plans.
• Establish effective command and coordination structures during a crisis.
• Implement rapid risk communication and public health messaging strategies.
• Master principles of surge capacity and mass casualty triage.
• Lead and support teams during high-stress emergency situations.
• Plan for the psychosocial support needs of both responders and the public.
• Understand the legal and ethical framework of emergency response.
• Conduct post-event analysis to improve future preparedness efforts.

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Emergency Management

• The principles and cycle of emergency management in a health context
• Understanding key public health hazards and their impact
• The role of local, national, and international health agencies
• The importance of stakeholder engagement and community partnerships
• Building a culture of preparedness within your organization

Module 2: Risk Assessment and Planning

• Methodologies for conducting a hazard vulnerability analysis
• Developing and writing a comprehensive emergency operations plan
• Strategies for establishing and maintaining surge capacity
• Creating effective resource and supply chain management plans
• Planning for patient tracking and reunification

Module 3: Command, Coordination, and Communication

• The principles of the Incident Command System (ICS)
• Establishing a strong command center and chain of command
• Ensuring seamless communication and information flow
• Interoperability with non-health sector partners
• The role of technology in crisis communication and data sharing

Module 4: Medical Response and Triage

• Triage principles for mass casualty incidents
• The logistics of setting up and managing temporary treatment sites
• Best practices for managing infectious disease outbreaks
• Strategies for patient evacuation and transport
• The ethical dilemmas of resource allocation during a crisis

Module 5: Public Health and Community Resilience

• Crafting clear and actionable public health messages
• Managing public perception and combating misinformation
• Engaging and educating the community on preparedness actions
• The role of public health surveillance in early detection
• Building community resilience through local partnerships

Module 6: Psychosocial Support and Recovery

• Understanding the psychological impact of disasters on responders and the public
• Developing mental health and psychosocial support services
• The role of leadership in supporting staff well-being
• Strategies for long-term recovery and post-traumatic growth
• Creating a peer support system for emergency personnel

Module 7: Emerging Threats and Future Trends

• Preparedness for new and re-emerging infectious diseases
• The growing threat of climate-related health emergencies
• The role of data science and predictive analytics in preparedness
• The impact of global travel on public health security
• Leveraging technological innovations for a more resilient future

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.