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Vulnerable/Special Needs Sector: Pairing those in need through a buddy network AD | 11.19.2006 | 14:54:08 | Views: 6408 | ID: As much as 40% of local first response resources during crisis are used in mitigation efforts with the vulnerable/special needs population. These first response resources could be redirected to response and containment if there was a network developed ahead of time that paired these vulnerable/special needs members with volunteers from the community sector. EMS managers could tap into this network (see EPN) to know who would be assigned to which person, and where these people would be taken in advance of or during a crisis. In this way, a community would know the real-time status of which vulnerable/special needs members had been supported, and those still needing assistance. Using the Virtual Surge Depot and Crisis Response Officers, local responders and EMS managers can identify, geo-locate and pair vulnerable/special needs members of the community to specific volunteers from the community sector for evacuation and immediate staging/caregiving. This network would be developed in advance, and information readily available through their local EPN network. In the event of a communications failure, vulnerable/special needs individuals would be taken by their designated buddy to one of a series of pre-determined staging/care areas, depending on the crisis and accessibility. Once there, the buddy would provide the area management with a Stored ValueBuddy Card that contained specific medical and contact information, in addition to a cash value to support the member during the crisis.
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