Developing an integrated civilian-military model for healthcare emergency response planning

Developing an integrated civilian-military (CIV/MIL) model for healthcare emergency response planning will support collaborative and synchronised medical responses in domestic disasters. Mission accomplishment is achieved by identifying opportunities for such integration through an initial strategic assessment and then by developing, piloting, implementing, evaluating and disseminating programmes and services that meet the documented needs of both civilian and military partners. The civilian and military sectors each have numerous directives, standards, regulations and guidelines that encourage or require such integration. Additionally, challenges identified from response activities during natural disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have highlighted the necessity of achieving a greater level of CIV/MIL integration. Although civilian and military organisations themselves have expressed interest in preparing for joint responses, substantial support by joint CIV/MIL leadership will be required to identify and acquire appropriate resources; initiate planning; develop organisational infrastructure; identify, develop, pilot, evaluate, implement and disseminate specific needs and suitable activities to address them; develop a broad-based constituency advocating for the support and promotion of integration activities; and provide the subject matter expertise and advice required to keep the tasks on purpose and on target.