The Super Bowl is not just a major sporting event; it is a massive gathering that requires meticulous planning and coordination across various sectors to ensure public safety. The 6 E framework, developed by the Fulton County Board of Health (FCBOH) for Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta, offers valuable insights into public health preparedness for mass gatherings. This blog explores how practitioners can leverage this framework to enhance their skills and improve community preparedness.
Understanding the 6 E Framework
The 6 E framework is a systematic approach designed to ensure comprehensive public health preparedness. It consists of six key steps:
- Engaging Stakeholders: Building strong partnerships across jurisdictions and sectors is crucial. For Super Bowl LIII, FCBOH engaged stakeholders from local, state, and federal levels, including law enforcement and emergency services.
- Examining Current Capabilities: Identifying existing resources and gaps helps tailor preparedness plans. FCBOH evaluated its capabilities by reviewing past events and addressing identified gaps before the Super Bowl.
- Establishing Roles and Responsibilities: Clear delineation of roles ensures effective coordination. During Super Bowl LIII, FCBOH established roles early on to avoid duplication of efforts.
- Executing Plans: Implementing strategies to address identified gaps is vital. FCBOH executed plans by seeking external assistance and improving communication channels.
- Exercising Plans: Conducting tabletop exercises helps test plans and refine details. These exercises were instrumental in fostering collaboration among stakeholders before the event.
- Evaluating Impact: Post-event evaluations provide insights into successes and areas for improvement. FCBOH's evaluation after Super Bowl LIII informed future preparedness efforts.
Implementing the Framework in Your Community
The 6 E framework offers a blueprint for enhancing public health preparedness in any community hosting large events. Here are some practical steps practitioners can take:
- Build Strong Partnerships: Engage with stakeholders across sectors early on. Establish regular communication channels to ensure seamless coordination during events.
- Conduct Capability Assessments: Regularly evaluate your organization's resources and identify potential gaps. Use past events as learning opportunities to refine your plans.
- Delineate Clear Roles: Clearly define roles and responsibilities among stakeholders to avoid confusion and duplication of efforts during emergencies.
- Plan and Execute Drills: Conduct tabletop exercises to test your plans and improve inter-agency collaboration. Use these exercises to identify remaining gaps before an event.
- Evaluate and Learn: After each event, conduct thorough evaluations to assess what worked well and what needs improvement. Use these insights to strengthen future preparedness efforts.
The successful implementation of the 6 E framework during Super Bowl LIII demonstrates its effectiveness in enhancing public health preparedness for mass gatherings. By adopting this framework, practitioners can improve their skills, foster collaboration, and ensure their communities are better prepared for future events.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: The 6 E Framework of Public Health Preparedness for Mass Gatherings—Lessons Learned From Super Bowl LIII, Fulton County, Georgia, 2019.
