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Public Health Service Engineering Capabilities During Disaster Responses

Introduction

Most U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) deployments have been typically clinically oriented regardless of the disaster. Engineers, however, are a critical component of a comprehensive public health response team. This report is intended to familiarize the reader, primarily managers charged with organizing the PHS response to disasters and emergencies, with the capabilities of the engineering disciplines and to facilitate selection of the most appropriate engineer for the emergency at hand. A cadre of PHS engineers, formed from a variety of disciplines, is committed to responding to disasters and emergencies on short notice and making a positive contribution.

Overview of Capabilities

Engineers apply the theories and principles of science and mathematics to research. They develop economical solutions to technical problems. Their work is the link between scientific discoveries and commercial applications. They possess strong problem-solving and organizational skills. They have the analytical and technical skills to evaluate problems, develop solutions, and bring those solutions to reality. Engineers design, construct, operate, and repair all of the systems and equipment that the general public has come to rely upon in their every day activities.

While engineers specialize, their capabilities tend to transcend their specialization. For example, a civil engineer and an environmental engineer both typically possess expertise in water resources. While all engineers tend to possess many common characteristics that are desirable in most deployment scenarios:

• Engineers are problem solvers -- they can contribute to pre-deployment planning. 
• Engineers are detail oriented -- they can contribute to logistics, including shelter, food & water, and transportation. 
• Engineers have computer skills -- they can offer hardware support, database management, and electronic record keeping. 
• Engineers have technical skills -- they can operate, maintain, and repair equipment (e.g., radios, computers, biomedical devices, pumps).

More than 25 major specialties are recognized by professional societies. The major branches have numerous subdivisions. In this report, the engineering specialties within the PHS are described and the contribution an engineer can make during emergency/disaster deployments are discussed. The two tables provided in this document identify (1) the different types of engineering duties/tasks/problems that may need to be addressed during natural or man-made disasters and (2) the particular engineering specialities that could be utilized to perform those duties/tasks/problems. More detailed descriptions of the different types of engineers are included in the enclosed glossary.

Using the description and information provided by personnel at the disaster area and the two enclosed tables, the appropriate authorities can determine which type of engineer(s) will meet the needs of the mission. The glossary can also be used to comparing the mission requirements with the capabilities of the various engineering specialties. If the mission requires that the engineers will provide detailed engineering evaluations (e.g., development of construction plans or detailed evaluation of a system [e.g., water supply distribution system]), the engineer or the lead engineer for the mission should be professionally licensed (i.e., Professional Engineer [P.E.]) or have a similar credential (e.g., Certified Industrial Hygienist).

In addition to solving the problems identified in the two tables. PHS engineers can also provide general team (medical or otherwise) support such as:

• Pre-deployment planning
• Logistics (including shelter, hygiene, food, water, and transportation management)
• Communications
• Computer support
• Hazards evaluation
• Management
• Security

The engineers in the PHS are committed to making a valuable contribution to the nations emergency/disaster relief efforts. We believe this report will serve as a useful tool when forming an emergency/disaster response team