Whiteman disease containment plan released

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Torey Griffith
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Brig. Gen. Robert Wheeler, 509th Bomb Wing commander, recently signed into effect Whiteman AFB's Disease Containment Plan.

The plan outlines procedures that will be put into action in the event of a range of disasters, from a chemical attack, to a viral outbreak , such as H1N1.

"The installation Disease Containment Plan provides detailed procedures, information and guidance to prepare for and respond to disease outbreaks," said James Esarey, 509th Medical Group Medical Readiness Manager. The DCP covers naturally occurring and biological outbreaks and provides steps to protect installation personnel and critical resources.

The primary purpose of this plan is to minimize the loss of operational capability caused by biological-related wartime contingencies and provide maximum protection for base personnel. The plan also illustrates how to restore critical Whiteman and individual unit functions as soon as possible following a biological incident and how to relieve suffering and provide care for survivors after a biological event.

"The (Whiteman) DCP prepares us to respond to and mitigate biological events of operational significance, whether naturally occurring or the result of deliberate attack," said Mr. Esarey. "This (DCP) will increase our collective readiness and will support sustainment of mission operations during disease outbreaks, if required."

Every Whiteman member has a role in the successful implementation of the plan.

"It is imperative that we combat any disease on all fronts," said Mr. Esarey. "The effects of a major disease outbreak will always bleed over into other areas of our lives including our workplace."

In order to ensure continuity of operations, unit commanders must develop and implement unit-specific checklists to support the Whiteman DCP.

In accordance with the DCP, checklists should include:

· Ensure recall rosters are up to date.
· Ensure military personnel are current in their vaccinations.
· Encourage civilian workforce to stay current on their vaccinations.
· Develop unit sanitization plan (phones, light switches, keyboards, door knobs, fax machines, printers, tools, staplers, microwaves, etc.)
· Order supplies (tissues, hand sanitizer, sanitizer spray, bio waste disposal container)
· Familiarize the workforce with the Diseases of Concern.
· Discontinuation of normal "social" behaviors when a public health emergency is declared (shaking hands and coming within close contact, within 3 feet, of people to have conversations)

"Planning and preparation are vital in order to limit disease spread, thereby minimizing casualties and enabling continued operations," concluded Mr. Esarey.

Whiteman members can access the DCP on the Intranet, under the 509th Bomb Wing tab, in the Wing Plans section.