Services We Offer
The Emerald Coast Healthcare Coalition (ECHCC) is a collaborative network dedicated to enhancing healthcare system preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation in Northwest Florida. Established in 2016, ECHCC works with over 1,000 members and partners to ensure healthcare resilience during emergencies and disasters.
Healthcare emergencies can overwhelm local systems. ECHCC bridges this gap by fostering collaboration among diverse partners to ensure communities can respond effectively and recover quickly from disasters.
Training
Training offered by ECHCC are vital for building a prepared, resilient healthcare workforce capable of responding effectively to crises. By providing accessible, diverse training formats—including hands-on, in-person, virtual, and hybrid sessions—coalitions ensure that healthcare staff across all roles gain critical skills, such as situational awareness, stress first aid, and decontamination techniques. Scenario-based exercises and specialized courses like the Incident Command System (ICS) foster decision-making and coordination, empowering participants to manage real-life emergencies confidently and cohesively.
Virtual training options from programs like TEEX, LSU, and BOLD Planning further expand accessibility, allowing members to learn at their own pace. Ultimately, coalition-led training strengthens emergency response and coordination across healthcare facilities, ensuring a unified approach to public health protection and community safety.
Exercises
Exercises provided by ECHCC are essential for preparing healthcare facilities and partners to respond effectively to a wide range of emergencies.
- HSEEP-compliant exercises
seminars, workshops, tabletop, drills, functional, and full-scale simulations—the coalition allows members to develop and test their response plans in realistic, controlled settings.
- Tabletop exercises
radiation, chemical, burn, and cyber incidents, help healthcare teams strategize and strengthen communication, while hands-on drills, such as tornado, generator, and communication drills, allow staff to practice essential skills.
- Full-scale exercises
mass casualty and active assailant scenarios, provide immersive, high-stakes training, revealing strengths and areas for improvement in real-time.
These free exercises for coalition members enhance emergency readiness, fostering a coordinated and resilient response across the healthcare network.
Networking
Networking within the ECHCC is essential for fostering collaboration, coordination, and preparedness across healthcare providers and emergency response partners. Through free quarterly and committee meetings, the coalition offers members regular opportunities to connect, share insights, and build relationships that strengthen emergency responses.
Regional and statewide conferences further broaden members’ networks, allowing them to exchange ideas, learn best practices, and bring innovative strategies back to their communities. Additionally, the coalition’s newsletter and weekly updates keep members informed and engaged, ensuring that everyone stays connected to resources, training, and developments.
This consistent networking builds a resilient, well-prepared healthcare network ready to work together effectively in times of need.
Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Jackson, Bay, Calhoun, and Liberty
The Counties We Serve.
PLAN. TRAIN. RESPOND. RECOVER.
Interested in joining our mission? Learn more about how your organization can contribute to a safer, more prepared community.
