09/07/2005

Ohio ACEP and Hurricane Katrina Update

Ohio ACEP and Hurricane Katrina Update


The Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) has established a Web site at
http://www.hhs.gov/katrina and a toll-free number, (866) KAT-MEDI or (866)
528-6334, to help identify health care professionals and relief personnel to
assist in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

"The desire of America's health care professionals to use their skills to help
Hurricane Katrina's victims has been inspiring," HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt
said. "This Web site and toll free number are important tools to become part of
this network of goodness that is taking place."

Multidisciplinary health care professionals and relief personnel with expertise
in the following areas are encouraged to visit the Web site and register to
volunteer for appointment by HHS:

* Administration/finance officers
* Chaplain/social workers
* Clinical physicians
* Coroners
* Dentists
* Dieticians
* Emergency Medical Technicians
* Environmental health workers
* Epidemiologists
* Facility managers
* Housekeepers
* IT/Communications officers
* Laboratory technicians
* Licensed practical nurses
* Medical clerks
* Medical examiners
* Mental health workers
* Morticians
* Mortuary assistants
* Nursing assistants/nursing support technicians
* Nursing staff directors
* Paramedics
* Patient transporters/volunteers
* Pharmacists
* Psychologists
* Physician's assistants or nurse practitioners
* Physician chiefs of staff
* Radiologic technicians
* Respiratory therapists
* Registered nurses
* Safety officers
* Security officers
* Social workers
* Supply managers
* Veterinarians

Please be advised that individuals must be healthy enough to function under
field conditions. This may include all or some of the following:

* 12-hour shifts
* Austere conditions (possibly no showers, housing in tents)
* No air conditioning
* Long periods of standing
* Sleep accommodations on bedroll
* Military ready to eat meals

These workers will be non-paid temporary federal employees, and will therefore
be eligible for coverage under the Federal Tort Claims Act for liability
coverage and Workman's Compensation when functioning as HHS employees. Although
there will not be any salary, travel and per diem will be paid.

Specifically for Ohio, at this point there are two identified federal processes/procedures to meet the legal/logistical needs for medical volunteers: (1) HHS - Hospital teams and (2) Medical Reserve Corps/American Red Cross. NOTE: these processes/procedures are for private, i.e. non-governmental employed citizens.

Ohio's disaster response plan continues to accept registration of Ohio's physicians and medical volunteers through www.serveohio.org This is your best option to volunteer your services as an independent health care provider or to register your interest to help via community organizations such as the Red Cross.

(HHS) Hospital based teams are also being organized and registered with the AHA. These teams have been registered largely as possible replacement staffing for HHS shelters. At this time there are no teams from Ohio scheduled for deployment.

An excellent Ohio website for updated information is www.prepareohio.com. National ACEP continues to post updates as well at www.acep.org.

Thank you all for your continued interest in service to others during the hurricane rescue and recovery effort.


Laura Tiberi, Executive Director
Ohio ACEP
3510 Snouffer Rd
Columbus, Ohio 43235
Office 614-792-6506
ltiberi@ohacep.org
www.ohacep.org