Exercise Overview

Colorado's Poudre Valley Health System undertook an initiative to assess the current capabilities of its two hospitals to sustain themselves for up to four days in the event of a severe winter storm.

As part of this exercise management and staff worked through a number of scenarios and injects dealing with both preparedness activities as the storm approached the region as well as the actions that needed to be taken to remain operational for 96 hours (FOUR DAYS) following the storm.

An important component of this exercise was the incorporation of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to provide Situational Awareness maps for decision support.

The Operation "Four With All" Tabletop Exercise was be facilitated via an internet based application entitled ON-Line eXercise (ONX) System which allow ed management and staff from each hospital to participate in the exercise from their base of operation.

Exercise Scenario

The Boulder Forecast Office of the National Weather Service has just issued a Winter Storm Watch for Northern Colorado including Larimer County. The storm is predicted to move through the region within the next 12 to 36 hours.

As residents throughout Larimer County begin to brace themselves for what is predicted to be a record setting snowfall the National Weather Service issues a Winter Storm Warning.

Exercise Conclusion

This exercise is an example of the kind of exercises that comprise the nationwide Caduceus Shield Exercise Initiative. This initiative provides meaningful exercise opportunities for America's health system.