Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Preparedness response (including Surge Support)

The Washington Poison Center is experienced in handling CBRN (chemical, biological, radiologic and nuclear) hazards calls requiring an acute emergency response. The Washington Poison Center clinical command center staff can quickly mobilize to conduct telephone-based triage to ascertain a patient’s need to seek medical attention. Clinic staff are FEMA trained, including ICS and NIMS, and have participated in drills or activation for events such as pandemics or radiological disasters, thus allowing the affected local health jurisdiction (LHJ) to focus on incident management. The Washington Poison Center is adaptable and capable of conducting just-in-time training on treatment guidelines (provided by Incident Commander) and by securing additional trained personnel as warranted by the magnitude and response requirements of the emergency incident.

Scope of Service

Medically trained Command Center staff support available 24/7/365 to operate as a Public Information Call Center (PICC) and provide inbound call triage, assessment, and consults with Board-certified Toxicologists during public health emergencies and/or disasters. Surge capacity to over 35 specialists (in-house and remote). All incidences coded and recorded in toxiCALL™ case management system that is HIPAA compliant and uploaded to the National Poison Data System (NPDS) in real time. Staff have access to a language line supporting over 200 languages.
Video or web-based training (available as just-in-time) and education using GoToMeeting.®
Automated Reporting (Scheduled, On-demand, Event-based) and After-Action Reporting.
IT emergency capacity that includes (6) National Toll-Free Numbers and 40+ local numbers using WAPC pool available for activation, onsite backup generator, digital and analog telecom capability.
Communication services including fax blasts, social media updates, and press releases to health care facilities, health networks, and public outlets.
Multi-jurisdictional organization capable of handling large scale events in Washington state, regionally, (WWAMI, CDC Region 7) and nationally through poison center parent association: AAPCC.