The Emergency Support Function (ESF) annexes to the Emergency Operations Plan organize the applicable college positions, departments, and outside support agencies into groups according to their roles in strategic response to a campus emergency or disaster. Outside agencies may include: governmental, non-governmental, private sector, and other volunteer resources. The ESF annex provides basic information on available internal and external departments and agencies that might be needed for an incident that affects Dallas College. Each ESF has at least one lead position or department within the College that will lead the specific response, one or more supporting departments within the College that will provide response support, and one or more external supporting departments from the surrounding communities, and neighboring jurisdictions.
ESFs will normally be activated at the direction of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Director in response to activation level 3 or greater emergencies as outlined in the EOP. Designated department and agency resources may be requested to respond or recover from emergency incidents that affect the College. Normally, the response and recovery actions will be coordinated from the EOC as Incident or Unified Command will use the resources at the incident scene.
The primary position/department/office(s) will normally be responsible for coordinating specific requirements associated with the emergency support function. Support position/department/office(s) may be contacted to provide expertise and assistance, as needed. Finally, external departments/agencies may be needed if internal resources are overwhelmed or where College capabilities do not exist (such as emergency medical or fire services.) In all cases, prior memorandums of understanding, mutual aid agreements, or funding issues would need to be addressed prior to requesting assistance.
Purpose
The purpose of ESF 8 is to provide, in a coordinated manner, the resources for public health, mental health, and medical services that may be needed in an emergency during an emergency or disaster impacting Dallas College.
The Public Health and Medical Services ESF assists college, local, federal, state government entities, and voluntary organizations in performing response missions following a disaster or emergency.
Scope
Emergency Support Function 8:
- May include public health crises or infectious disease emergencies.
- May include triage treatment and emergency medical transportation.
- May include psychological first aid and disaster mental health treatment for the faculty, staff, and students of Dallas College.
- Used to respond to incidents that overwhelm normal Incident Command response actions.
Situation
Dallas College is exposed to many hazards, all of which have the potential for disrupting the community, causing casualties, and damaging or destroying public or private property. Potential emergencies and disasters include both natural and human-caused incidents.
See the EOP Hazard Summary for the potential emergencies that may impact Dallas College.
Assumptions
The College makes the following planning assumptions:
- Public health crises and infectious disease emergencies can occur independent of disaster situations.
- The College does not operate a clinic nor has a public health officer.
- During a disaster or emergency, the physical and mental health of members of the campus community, including emergency responders, may be impacted.
- Communication may be disrupted.
- Shortfalls can be expected in both support personnel and equipment.
- Local, state, and federal assistance may not be immediately available.
- Specialized equipment and personal protective equipment may be required.