Pandemic preparedness faces test in Maryland

Scores of employees of the Anne Arundel County (MD) Department of Health and Fort Meade descended on the county’s two hospitals to test their preparedness for facing a flu pandemic. Anne Arundel and Baltimore Washington medical centers practiced assessing a surge in patients to the emergency department, amid their own mock shortages in staff. In addition, the Department of Health and the Office of Emergency Management tackled their own challenges of having staff reduced by influenza and directing their remaining resources. The joint effort is the first time the groups have come together in a realistic exercise.