The CERFPs are intended to provide State governor's with the capabilities to relieve or augment first responders within the first few hours after an incident. CERFPs also serve to bridge the capability gap between the time local and state civilian first responders arrive and the time a federal response arrives. CERFP’s are not designed to provide patient holding with medical care for an extended duration. During a mass casualty (MASCAL) situation, the CERFP will implement triage procedures to expedite treatment, evacuation, and transfer procedures to the nearest medical treatment facility. Several CERFP commanders and operations officers expressed concerns over the lack of having immediate access to a readily available and temporary patient holding areas specifically in adverse climates.The findings from GAO CERFP report (Dec 2011) identified several factors that may Inhibit CERFPs’ Operational Effectiveness. Some of these factors are still a concern today and include: “Maintaining a Trained and Ready Response Force; Maintaining Adequate Numbers of Personnel (based on personnel turnover and competing mission sets); and CERFPs Generally Have Their Authorized Equipment, but Additional Equipment May Be Needed to Adequately Perform Mission." The solution to the “readily available and temporary patient holding area” capability shortfall is a standard ISU-90 shipping container converted into a self-contained 20 person all weather billeting shelter system. This system provides an enhanced range of mobility operations by land, sea, or air. This system is on standby until ready to deploy and can be set up in 45 minutes – Based on “METT-T”, Commanders have to the option to set up or leave in reserve mode. As the situation develops and a patient holding area is required, the system is readily available and rapidly deployed with an: ISU-90I 4 door container; a standard FEMA shelter system; Vestibule Entryway w/container connector; bunk beds, generator; HVAC; lighting; showers; toilets; and power. The system is easily modified with functional kits to support medical and command (C2) applications for a wide variety of field operations in remote locations (all self contained in an ISU90). Also MCHS90s(Texas) 14M for 2 per CERFP.

TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATION: CONCUR
NGB RECOMMENDATION: No Requirement