DomesticPreparedness met with Captain Michael B. Anderson, National Program Manager, Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS). In this wide-ranging invterview, Captain Anderson discusses mass-casualty preparedness, highlighting the current emphasis on regional collaboration, implementation of HSPD-8, best-in-show MMRS steering committees, and this month’s move of MMRS to FEMA.

DomPrep has divided the 36 minute interview into 5 segments.

Download full audio interview to your MP3 player.

Listen to Audio Segment One An Overview of MMRS Today

The current emphasis on radiological/nuclear response plans and regional collaboration in line with HSPD-8 national all-hazards preparedness. The move of the MMRS National Program Office to FEMA and the implications for state and local jurisdictions. Pandemic planning at the local level, medical caches, and the role of the Citizen Corps.

Duration: 13 Minutes 43 Seconds

Listen to Audio Segment Two MMRS and HSPD-8

Meeting National Preparedness Goals and the HSPD-8 target capabilities. The importance of the MMRS Steering Committee, and a rundown on some of the best organized and most effective steering committees nationwide. Hospital tiering and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) benchmarking in line with HSPD-8.

Duration: 9 Minutes 34 Seconds

Listen to Audio Segment Three The State of Play Locally

Steering Committee liaison with state emergency management for ESF-8 Medical Support. MMRS National Program Office technical assistance and funding priorities for integration and coordination. MMRS utilization of the National Disaster Management System (NDMS) for patient movement.

Duration: 6 Minutes 35 Seconds

Listen to Audio Segment Four MMRS Integration Issues

The need to convey hospital and medical requirements to the nation’s law-enforcement and fire-and-rescue communities.

Duration: 1 Minutes 55 Seconds

Listen to Audio Segment Five NIMS and MMRS

MMRS as the “big tent” for public health, tier-one hospitals, law enforcement, fire and rescue, EMS, emergency management, and the coroner for medical-incident management.