About This Committee
The Emergency Planning & Preparedness Committee coordinates the regional response and readiness infrastructure that supports EMS agencies, hospitals, fire departments, law enforcement, and emergency management across all nine NCRETAC counties. The committee’s scope extends from mass casualty incident planning to communications interoperability, situational awareness tools, and helicopter EMS governance.
Regional Response Planning
Develops and maintains a regional emergency response plan aligned with state and national standards, including mass casualty incident protocols.
Interagency Coordination
Fosters collaboration among EMS, fire, hospitals, law enforcement, and emergency management to ensure a unified, interoperable regional response.
Preparedness Tools
Oversees regional deployment and adoption of COTAK, Pulsara, and ROTH ID Tag Kits, including training, interoperability outcomes, and ongoing readiness.
Training & Exercises
Conducts regular tabletop exercises, drills, and simulations to test regional protocols, identify gaps, and improve multi-agency coordination.
Resource Gap Identification
Identifies gaps in regional equipment, personnel, and response infrastructure, and brings recommendations to the Board for prioritization.
HEMS Governance
Advises on helicopter EMS structure, clinical integration, and coordination within the regional system, including evaluation of task force vs. standing committee models.
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FY 2026–2027 Priorities
The Emergency Planning & Preparedness Committee leads or supports the following Board-approved initiatives for the current biennial plan period.
GPS Monitoring & Situational Awareness: COTAK & HAAS
Enhancing regional situational awareness and coordination during major incidents through GPS-based tracking and data-sharing tools. Led by this committee with support from Workforce Development & Support.
Pulsara Statewide Rollout
Supporting coordinated implementation and regional readiness for statewide patient tracking and incident management. Led by this committee.
HEMS Governance Review
Evaluating whether HEMS coordination should remain a task force or transition to a standing committee, based on regional need and long-term sustainability. Led by this committee in coordination with NEPAB.
ROTH ID Tag Kit / Yellow Dot Program
Supporting pediatric identification and situational awareness during emergencies. Led by this committee in coordination with PIER.
Communications Interoperability
Strengthening radio reliability, PSAP coordination, and communications infrastructure across a geographically dispersed region. A Board Goal 4 priority for FY 2026–2027.
Committee Structure
The Emergency Planning & Preparedness Committee meets quarterly during the first month of each quarter, prior to the scheduled NCRETAC Board meeting. A majority of active members constitutes a quorum. Decisions are made by consensus; in the event of a tie, the Chair casts the deciding vote.
Chair
A current NCRETAC Board member, appointed by the President. Leads the committee, sets the agenda, and serves as liaison to the Board.
Co-Chair
A designated NCRETAC member with experience in emergency planning and preparedness, appointed by the Board. Presides in the Chair’s absence.
Members
EMS professionals, fire, hospital, law enforcement, public health, and emergency management representatives. Participation from all nine counties is encouraged.
To inquire about joining this committee, contact [email protected] or call (970) 580-2668.
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