Published March 25. 2020 02:45PM
St. Luke’s University Health Network is managing the network’s preparations and response to COVID-19 through its incident command center in Bethlehem.
The incident command center has been organized according to the structure and principles established by U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The incident command center is running 24/7, staffed by team of experts including those who have undergone special emergency preparedness training at FEMA’s Center for Domestic Preparedness in Alabama.
Such training is part of St. Luke’s regular, continuous emergency preparation, which also includes extensive planning and regular drilling.
Each of St. Luke’s hospital campuses has its own incident command center that, when appropriate, seeks guidance and support from the Network’s Incident Command Center.
Additionally, the Network’s Incident Command Center is working in coordination with local, state and federal government agencies as called for under FEMA’s Incident Command System.
St. Luke's University Health Network has set up command centers in each hospital to address the COVID-19 pandemic. In Bethlehem, a team meets in the Blue Room in the Coxe Pavilion to discuss strategy and staffing. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO