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An updated web-based software program that can provide emergency preparedness personnel with quick updates and share information, even across state lines, has been launched by the state Department of Health and Human Services.
The program, "Hippocrates," originally developed in New Jersey in 2006 can now be used by multiple agencies.
"Public emergencies do not recognize state borders and it is important to share information in real-time to respond appropriately," Health Commissioner Poonam Alaigh said Monday. "The updated version of Hippocrates allowed New Jersey responders and our counterparts in New York City to share information in a seamless manner and allow for a more effective response."
The updated version of Hippocrates was launched on June 18 and was used by emergency response staff in Jersey City and New York City to address potential health care issues during the 2010 Red Bull Air Race World Championship over the Hudson River on June 19 and 20.
The effort marked the first time New York and New Jersey officials shared information happening in their particular areas in real-time during a response.
"As we have seen during many public health emergencies, the ability to have brokered information and knowledge management as a situation unfolds is vital to providing an appropriate and effective response," said David Gruber, senior assistant commissioner for Health Infrastructure Preparedness and Emergency Response. "Hippocrates has provided this ability to New Jersey and now has the capability to securely integrate an unlimited number of partner response agencies regardless of location or
jurisdictional boundaries."
Hippocrates comprises a number of features that allow responders to plan and respond to emergencies based on changing information and situations. Features include the ability to hold online conversations between staff, load images including photos and video, share information on medical facilities such as hospitals, long term care facilities and nursing homes and sophisticated mapping information. Hippocrates allows each jurisdiction to address incidents using their own resources and then share that information with the other jurisdiction on compatible software.
— TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
