Disaster Alternate Care Facilities Selection and Operation Chapter 2- Background

A discussion of the role and objectives of non-hospital alternate care site facilities stresses the need for clear operational definitions for what can and cannot be accommodated appropriately in terms of care, service, and acuity level. Planning to utilize the spectrum of healthcare delivery facilities including ambulatory care sites can assist with managing the surge of lower acuity patients to preserve hospitals for high-acuity cases. The focus on bioterrorism can be extended to other mass casualty events.