GES Simulation Guide v3.pdf - Avian Influenza and the Pandemic ...

ABOUT
THIS
GUIDE
Simulation exercises have gained increasing prominence in humanitarian preparedness
over the past several years, particularly by the organisations comprising the Inter-Agency
Standing Committee (IASC). Simulations serve to test plans, rehearse procedures,
identify gaps, solve problems, increase confidence and generally add to the overall
capacity of organisations and individuals to react to emergencies in an effective, timely and
reliable manner. In any life-saving profession--pilots, fire-fighters, para-medics--drills
and practice are required to achieve the best results. The IASC Sub-Working Group on
Preparedness, co-chaired by UNICEF and WFP, feels strongly that simulation exercises are
vital to improve the quality of humanitarian action. Accordingly, this guide aims to put at
the disposal of Government emergency managers an easy-to-use methodology for running
simulation exercises in order to enhance their national agencies’ level of preparedness.
This guide was compiled by an inter-agency emergency simulation training team based
on the training course for simulation facilitators held in Sandö, Sweden in 2010 and 2011,
organised by the IASC Sub Working Group on Preparedness and supported by MSB, the
Swedish Civil Contingency Agency. The guide is intended as a tool for national governments
who wish to conduct simple, inexpensive table top and functional exercises to test systems
and procedures contained within their national disaster management plans. The design of
this guide has been a collaborative effort of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee’s Sub-
Working Group on Preparedness. The SWG on Preparedness would like to acknowledge
the valuable support of Allan Bell, Ian Clarke, Fred Spielberg, Gunilla Lindstrom, Shelby
Ruiz, David Knaggs, Pierre Gelas, James Staples and Elroi Yee.
Michel Le Pechoux, UNICEF
Co-Chair of the IASC SWG on
Preparedness
Anthony Craig, WFP
Co-Chair of the IASC SWG on
Preparedness