California Preparedness Education Network

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Synopsis of the cal•PEN Curriculum

cal•PEN provides no-cost emergency preparedness and response training to clinics, public health agencies and rural hospitals. The curriculum consists of six diverse, one-hour courses allowing the host to request a particular focus to meet their educational objectives. Faculty represents trained physicians, nurses, mid-levels and paramedics. Any combination of cal•PEN modules can be presented to your group of licensed clinicians and clinical staff. Continuing Medical Education units are provided to your clinicians at no charge.

Module I: General Disaster Preparedness

A lecture-style introduction to risk, preparation, and response for public health emergencies, including terrorist events. This presentation offers information on how to recognize a terrorist event or public health emergency, meet the immediate care needs of patients, alert the appropriate authorities and participate in a community wide coordinated response to a disaster.

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Module II: Bioterrorism Preparedness

Review of recent and historical bioterrorist events, with discussion of non-conventional weapons, highlighting the elements of risk assessment. The important role that primary healthcare providers play in surveillance for infectious disease and bioterrorism is covered, as are epidemiological clues that suggest a deliberate biological agent release.

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Module III :Chemical & Radiological Agents

Discussion of the potential risk of chemical, HAZMAT, radiological, and nuclear events. Module III provides participants with an overview of the historical use of chemical agents, and describes clinical syndromes common to agents such as pulmonary irritants, vesicants, and chemical asphyxiates, nerve agents and nuclear/radiological poisons. The importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and basic decontamination strategies are addressed.

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Module IV: Emerging Infectious Diseases

Provides an overview of the potential risk of emerging infections and their potential to become significant health threats. This training is updated regularly to reflect current infectious disease concerns and data. Historical accounts related to pandemics is covered, highlighting the importance of “looking for zebras” and public health reporting. Information on MRSA and Multi Drug-Resistant TB is included.

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Module V: Infectious Diseases After Natural Disasters

Potential risks for a variety of infections occur after natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. Module V examines infections such as typhoid fever, cholera, malaria, gastroenteritis, measles and hepatitis. Included is a description of various infectious diseases that have occurred after natural disasters along with an explanation of the variables that once in place, set the stage for an emerging epidemic.

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Module VI: Pandemic Influenza

Assessment of the present risk for a global influenza outbreak. Historical clues from previous influenza pandemics and the molecular origins of new influenza strains is examined. Module VI covers recent avian influenza outbreaks that have caused significant human infections and the potential for progression to a global pandemic in the near future, infection control measures, and how we can prepare for a global influenza outbreak.

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cal•PEN Tabletop Exercise

This discussion-driven, interactive exercise provides an opportunity for medical providers to put the knowledge gained from cal•PEN didactic presentations into action. With the guidance of a trained facilitator participants will recognize elements necessary for the development of an effective clinic emergency operations plan, or identify gaps and weaknesses in their current plan. The Tabletop Exercise Module is a follow-up to Module I.