By KEVIN LILLY
Pharos-Tribune staff writer
Thursday’s mock drill for pandemic influenza was practice, not only in case an avian flu virus mutates into a new form able to pass from human to human.
The mock drill also readied emergency and public health agencies for bioterrorism attacks and a number of other major emergencies.
The drill, which took place from 10 a.m. to noon at the Cass County Fairgrounds, was a test run of the state-required plan of action spearheaded six months earlier by Dr. Pat Badt, the local public health coordinator for the Cass County Health Department.
When volunteer “patients” entered the fairgrounds at the second entrance heading east, they were directed by Logansport Police officers to the parking area on the southwest corner of the property.
Patients, men, women, and children, then went to the screening area where forms were filled out. Each person had to draw from a basket to find out how ill they were supposed to be. Some drew “no signs/symptoms” while others were deemed high risk because of their “congestion, aching muscles, fever, soar throat.”
Those with flu-like symptoms went directly to the medication distribution tables after their forms were completed. Those without symptoms had the chance to learn more about influenza by watching the Oprah show with infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm. A PowerPoint presentation was also on hand.
At all times, rides to and from the various areas were available.
Medication was distributed by registered nurses depending on symptoms. A psychiatric counseling table was set up for those having problems coping with being ill or having sick family members.
Security, consisting of police officers and sheriff deputies, was on hand to handle anyone who lost control.
Once medicated with antibiotics meant to relieve the symptoms, patients were either sent home or transported to a waiting area on fairgrounds property. The waiting area was not actually part of Thursday’s practice run. It was discussed in theory later.
In a pandemic influenza situation, hospitals have the right to refuse patients to keep the facility “clean.” That means no one with flu-like symptoms would be admitted for treatment. That is where the mock drill comes into play.
The fairgrounds became a point of distribution, or POD, Thursday. It became a place where mass amounts of people can go to get treatment for symptoms only since the flu itself is a virus and cannot be cured.
Badt said the Indiana State Department of Health expects a POD to process 600 patients an hour. Thursday there were 104 “patients” processed by 62 workers in two hours.
The mock drill was considered a success because of the opportunity to see the plan in action, rather than discussing it in meetings.
Reviewing and fine tuning the plan is next. Preparations by the local health department, in conjunction with several agencies, continue.
By conducting the preparedness drills, Cass County is meeting requirements for additional grants from Homeland Security initiatives.
There were representatives from four area counties observing the drill.
A meeting to discuss how the drill went and what improvements need to be made is scheduled for July 6.
Future mock drills will be conducted and the call for volunteers is continual. They are always in demand. For those interested in participating in preparedness, contact Dr. Pat Badt at 753-6966.
Kevin Lilly can be reached at 722-5000, Ext. 5117, or via e-mail at kevin.lilly@pharostribune.com
Local News
Related Photos
Discussion
Mock drill prepares for pandemic
The drill served its purpose for continuing provisions.
- Local News
-
-
Snowless savings: Warm weather lowers expenses
The unseasonably warm temperatures have allowed state and local road crews to perform roadwork usually conducted in the fall, lowered Logansport Municipal Utilities electric usage and saved all departments overtime pay for employees.
-
Logansport sees jump in grad rate
Logansport High School saw its graduation rate jump four percentage points in numbers released this week by the Indiana Department of Education.
-
Officials break ground on $1.1M Eel River Run
Contractors are set to begin work on the mile-long Eel River Run trail in downtown Logansport — the result of more than eight years of planning.
-
Fifth candidate files for county council
A longtime Logansport Municipal Utilities worker and former business owner is the first Democrat to file for county office in the coming primary election.
-
Indy on top of its game: Super Bowl host city earns rave reviews
If praise and adulation could put points on the scoreboard, then Indianapolis had a blowout victory hosting its first Super Bowl.
-
$200K in back taxes owed on Logan mall
The owners of Logansport Mall owe more than $200,000 in back taxes on the building and the land it sits on, Cass County property records show.
-
Logan to pay $21K in benefits payments
The Logansport City Council gave preliminary approval Monday to pay more than $20,000 for seven years of owed retirement payments for a city employee.
-
Two candidates file bids for county council
Two Republicans filed their candidacies for at-large Cass County Council seats Monday.
-
A scientific fellow
Andrew Bever grew up on a sheep farm in Forest, about 40 miles south of Logansport, with a mind that looked at the world more deeply than what’s on the surface.
-
Fed-Mogul says hiring on track
Nearly three months after announcing it would add 94 new jobs, Federal-Mogul in Logansport has filled about one-third of the positions.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Snowless savings: Warm weather lowers expenses
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
