Program Details
The Southern Regional Disaster Response System, led by Emory University, is a collaborative initiative between Emory University, Georgia Department of Public Health, Augusta University, and the University of Georgia Institute for Disaster Management (IDM) to complement existing preparedness and response frameworks and the partnerships represented by the Health Care Coalitions.
This initiative, as the fourth funded Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) Regional Disaster Health Response System (RDHRS), is a tiered system that builds upon the existing Medical Surge Capacity and Capability (MSCC) foundation for local medical response, including trauma systems and healthcare coalitions, by enhancing coordination mechanisms and strengthening connections between clinical and administrative capabilities at the state and regional levels.
SRDRS has several project initiatives and IDM participates in various aspects of the project.
Click to view the Southern Regional Disaster Response System website.
SRDRS 2026 15 ‘til Surge Full-Scale Exercise Program
The Southern Regional Disaster Response System (SRDRS) 2026 15 ‘til Surge Full Scale Exercise Program is a full-scale, HSEEP-consistent exercise designed to strengthen hospital preparedness and response capabilities. The program allows healthcare staff to practice critical decision-making, team coordination, and surge management through realistic mass casualty and patient surge scenarios. It aims to test and improve hospital surge plans and protocols, strengthen coordination among leadership and clinical staff, and identify strengths and areas for improvement to enhance overall readiness for real-world emergencies.
Jackson Memorial Hospital
Emory University Hospital Midtown
SRDRS 2026 15 ’til Surge Training Program
The Southern Regional Disaster Response System (SRDRS) and the University of Georgia’s Institute for Disaster Management (IDM) 15 ‘til Surge Training Program is a one-day training designed to enhance hospital surge preparedness and operational readiness. The program builds on the 15 ‘til 50 framework to strengthen facility-specific planning and response capabilities.
The training combines didactic instruction, a facility walkthrough, and guided discussion to support practical application of surge concepts. It is intended for hospital leadership and key operational stakeholders across emergency management, clinical operations, nursing, logistics, security, and emergency departments, with a focus on coordinated decision-making during surge events.
The program strengthens understanding of healthcare surge principles, supports application of the 15 ‘til 50 planning framework to mass casualty incident plans, and identifies strengths and gaps to improve overall response readiness.
