Comments on the answer to Question 1.
I agree that Unity Integrity is the most important because it can enhance the cohesiveness of the rescue operation. After a major disaster communication disruptions are one of the biggest challenges for workers trying to help people. Medical care is a good example demonstrating the importance of keeping aid workers in units catagorized by their professional expertise. All medical care personnel are organzied into one unit with with on manager and over five to up to seven members according to ICS. In that way the workers within the group are able to talk to each other without having to stop to explain unknown words or strategies. This is very important when dealing with injuries and trying to access the proper equipment and pharmaceutical items. The team can use the manager as the go-between when they need to communicate with other types of aid workers like the police or fire fighters. The organizational design allows the aid workers who are there to do hands-on medical care to put all their focus on the patients.
References
Lindell, M. K., Prater, C. & Perry, R. W. (2009). Introduction to emergency management. New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. p.271
Maintaining Communications Capabilities during Major Natural Disasters and other Emergency Situations. Final Report. (27 December 2011). Study group on maintaining communications capabilities during major natural disasters and other emergency situations. Available from http://www.soumu.go.jp/main_content/000146938.pdf
Comments on the answer to Question 2.
Communities need to design their public buildings remembering that the buildings may be needed for other functions in case of a disaster or a health pandemic. In small towns and rural areas the public school is commonly used because the gymnasium can hold a lot of people. The gymansium has room for cots in the middle so that medical aid and other services can be orgainzed around the perimenter of the gym. This has worked very well in the aftermath of tornadoes. People already know that they can go to the school gymnasium for anything they need after a disaster.
One problem in local areas is the lack of a mass transportation system. Small commuinities need to prepare for outreach in order to help people who cannot come to the emergency facility on their own. In cities it is easier to switch public systems for emergency resource use. The small town or city may have to ask for help from their neighbors. The natural disaster plan should involve preplanning with the townw and cities near them for emergency needs. In terms of medical needs during a natural disaster needs may include more doctors, nurses and other medical personnel. Emergency vehicles such as ambulances may be needed. During a pandemic the same basic plan must be expanded upon to meet needs for a longer duration. The primary medical facility would be the nearest hospital, the secondary could be the public schools. Private business need to be part of the planning for a pandemic so tertiary medical facilities can be organized in case the need arises.
References
Homeland Security. (2011 September). National Incident Management System (NIMS): Training Program. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Available at www.fema.gov/emergency/NIMS
National Research Council. Dispensing Medical Countermeasures for Public Health Emergencies: Workshop Summary. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press, 2008. Retrieved from http://www.soumu.go.jp/main_content/000146938.pdf
