| Summary: | In the event of a disaster or public health emergency, individual agencies and hospitals cannot always effectively act alone. In order to provide a collaborative, comprehensive system of planning and response a Healthcare Emergency Response Coalition (HERC) is needed. This book introduces the concept of a HERC and demonstrates why and how a HERC is among most effective tools for health emergency response and preparedness. This guide is based on Palm Beach County's experiences during formation and implementation of their HERC, now a national model, and can serve to direct your community. It addresses fundamental questions of starting a HERC - What is a HERC? - Why do we need a HERC? - How do we start a HERC - How should a HERC be structured? This book provides guidance for developing and sustaining a successful HERC. This information can be applied and customized to any community's specific needs and resources to implement a program that will address any disaster or healthcare emergency. This book provides benefits to all invested in emergency preparedness for a community, from health officials and emergency response teams to government officials and fire and police departments, and others involved in preparing for disasters and public health emergencies.
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