Posted on: Wednesday, August 4, 2004

Hawai'i to play out disaster scenario

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Health Writer

The state Health Department wants you to play the victim, but it's for a good cause.

So far, state epidemiologist Dr. Paul Effler said, at least 300 people have signed up to help on the morning of Aug. 11, but the organizers could use hundreds more volunteers, with an ideal goal of 1,000 people. He said the Health Department and the American Red Cross are helping to coordinate one of the largest disaster exercises in state history.

While the threat of terrorism has brought together the resources and the motivation for this exercise, Effler said this practice for treating hundreds of people in an emergency can be applied to a variety of real-life emergencies, including hurricanes, plane crashes, chemical spills and a naturally occurring outbreak of illness.

"It could be a bad flu season or a SARS outbreak," Effler said.

"It will be our first opportunity to practice rolling out the Strategic National Pharmaceutical Stockpile," Effler said. That cache stands ready to send medical supplies anywhere in the country within 12 hours of a real emergency.

Hawai'i is one of nine states that will simulate the distribution of life-saving medications, antidotes and medical supplies in an emergency, he said.

Volunteers will be told what role they can play; they will pretend to be sick with certain illnesses and will be treated with vials that don't have medicine, then asked to describe what they went through and offer suggestions. Effler emphasized that no actual treatment or diseases will be involved.

But health officials, local hospitals, civil defense and many others will be involved in preparing for this one-day mass disaster exercise.

Effler said those who volunteer can help to improve the emergency medical response for a possible real emergency. Bart Aronoff, manager of the state's bioterrorism preparedness program, said this drill can make a big difference by offering a practice session.

"Only volunteers from the community can really fill this role," he said.

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2429