County and local hospitals successfully test emergency response protocols

November 20, 2014

SOLANO COUNTY – The Solano County Department of Health and Social Services' Emergency Services Bureau partnered with all local hospitals this morning to successfully test emergency response protocols during today's Ebola preparedness exercise.

The exercise was deemed a success by county officials because it helped county staff, local hospitals and emergency first responders better prepare for such an event should it ever happen in Solano County.

"Hospitals have been working really hard for the past several months to prepare for an Ebola or communicable disease outbreak," says Dr. Michael Stacey, MD, Chief Medical Officer for Solano County.  "Their participation in today’s exercise demonstrates their commitment to public health and the well-being of residents in Solano County."

The county partnered with Medic Ambulance, NorthBay Medical Center, Sutter Solano Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Vallejo and Vacaville to transport and receive patients during today’s exercise.

The Solano County Office of Emergency Services (OES) activated its Joint Information Center (JIC) and Mobile Command Vehicle (MC1) to help hospitals and first responders coordinate the exercise.

“We are always looking for ways to improve our local response efforts during disease and disaster emergencies,” says Dr. Stacey.  “Today’s exercise shows that Solano County Public Health, local hospitals and first responders are well prepared to respond to this issue.”

Every year, Solano County’s Public Health Emergency Services Bureau participates in a statewide emergency preparedness drill and leads efforts at the local level.  Last year the drill focused on an active shooter situation.