Introduction to POD Operations

Lesson 2: POD Staffing & Assets

Jobs in the POD...

County PODs are designed to include every staff position in the POD organizational chart. Depending on the circumstance, some positions may be omitted. For example: a POD that will only be open for one shift/one day may not have a planning section.

A work flow chart (similar to the one displayed on the previous page) will ALWAYS be provided to the POD on the day of opening. If you are unsure of who you report to, you will be able to check the chart or ask supervisory staff upon your arrival.

Below is a list of staff positions with a short description of what the positions function is:

Sign In/Out – Make sure staff sign in and out upon arrival and departure to the site (may also be instructed to have staff fill out paperwork).
Equipment/Supplies – Make sure that Equipment and Supplies are stored together and easy to find, reports depleting stores to their command for re-order.
Inventory Control – Keeps track of medication stores and how fast they are moving through the POD, reports depleting stores to their command for re-order BEFORE THE POD RUNS OUT!!!!
Griage (Greeting & Triage) – Greets patients at the entrance, may be instructed to look for sick patients, begin line control at the door, and/or hand out screening forms.
Medical Screening – Will be given checklists and information to ask to patients and where to send them based on their answers (ie: Education, Medical Consult).
Medical Consult – Usually someone with Medical Background who can answer more complicated questions regarding health concerns (This position may not be available during an emergency, but a phone number will be provided for you to give out or use).
Education – Provides the appropriate educational handout for the medication/agent to the patient (will be pre-screened for which medication at Medical Screening).
Dispensing/Vaccination – Hands patient the medication that corresponds with their educational materials.
Paperwork Collection – Collects any and all materials from patients that are supposed to stay at the POD.
First Aid – “Just in Case” of injury at the POD.
Interior Security – Stand guard at the interior operations in the POD (make sure no one runs off with meds, help staff with intoxicated patients, general security).
Traffic Control – “Keeps the peace” in the parking lot, directs patients to open spaces in the appropriate areas, if a major street is involved, make sure patients make it safely across the street. Works with Security.
Mental Health – Assists POD staff with unruly patients, aggressive patients, and/or mentally disabled patients.
Runner – used by POD staff as message runners, crowd controllers, supply runners, and/or break staff for restroom breaks.
Translators – Translates materials and/or the screening process for patients.
Data Management – In charge of sorting and/or entering into a computer any and all paperwork at the POD.

Introduction to POD Operations

Lesson 2: POD Staffing & Assets

Jobs in the POD...

Next

Back