Frequently Asked Questions

Emergency Preparedness Office

Master Scenario Events List (MSEL)

What is a MSEL and why is it important in emergency managment exercises?

The MSEL, or Master Scenario Events List, is a detailed timeline of events and injects designed to simulate realistic scenarios during emergency management exercises. It is crucial for validating plans and testing and improving the capabilities of responders and organizations by creating a lifelike environment to conduct an exercise.

How do I create a customized MSEL for my organization or agency?

To customize a MSEL, start by defining exercise objectives and identifying specific capabilities to be tested. Tailor the scenario to your organization's context, incorporating relevant threats and challenges. Collaborate with key stakeholders, considering their roles and responsibilities, and ensure flexibility in the timeline to adapt to participants' responses.

What are injects, and how do I design them for the MSEL?

Injects are scenario elements introduced at specific points in the timeline to challenge participants. Design injects to mimic realistic events related to your organization's focus. They can include simulated news articles, phone calls, or on-site incidents. Ensure injects align with exercise objectives and encourage adaptability based on participants' actions.

How can agencies customize the MSEL for their own needs during a multi-agency exercise?

Collaborate with each participating agency to understand their capabilities, priorities, and objectives. Tailor the scenario to reflect the diverse roles within each agency, integrating injects that challenge their specific functions and coordination requirements. Encourage active participation and feedback from all agencies during the planning phase. Encourage each participating organization to develop and customize the MSEL for the exercise play at their particular facility/ command center.

What considerations should be made for geographical relevance when creating the MSEL?

Consider the geographical nuances of your region, such as local infrastructure, topography, and potential vulnerabilities. Incorporate these elements into the scenario to enhance realism and relevance. This ensures that the exercise reflects the unique challenges that responders might face in your specific location.

How can lessons learned from previous exercises be incorporated into future MSELs?

Incorporate injects into the MSEL to address on lessons learned from previous exercises. Analyze feedback from participants, identify areas for improvement, and adapt the scenario accordingly. This iterative process ensures that each exercise becomes more effective in testing and enhancing emergency response capabilities.

Is documentation important, and what should be included in the documentation of a MSEL?

Documentation is crucial for improving future exercises and for compliance purposes. Include details of the initial planning, the MSEL itself, and outcomes. Document the exercise objectives, timeline, injects, and participants' responses. This comprehensive documentation serves as a valuable resource for refining future MSELs and enhancing emergency preparedness.

How do I ensure adaptability in the MSEL to accommodate participants' responses?

Design the MSEL with built-in flexibility. Allow for adjustments based on how participants react to injects and events. This adaptability ensures that the exercise remains challenging and realistic, promoting active engagement and providing a more accurate assessment of participants' capabilities. If an inject is NOT RELEVANT for your organization, you should delete it.

Can you provide examples of injects for the MSEL in a public health context?

Public health injects could include simulated disease outbreaks, public announcements, resource shortages, or changes in public sentiment. These elements challenge health agencies to respond effectively to evolving situations, test communication protocols, and assess coordination with other stakeholders.

How do you balance realism in the scenario while maintaining safety during the exercise?

Prioritize safety by clearly communicating that the exercise is a simulation. Ensure that participants understand the distinction between the exercise and real-world situations. Work closely with safety officers and follow established protocols to mitigate risks while still creating a realistic and immersive training environment.

What role does technology play in enhancing MSEL effectiveness?

Technology can facilitate inject delivery, communication, and data collection. Consider using simulation platforms, communication tools, and data analytics to enhance the realism of the scenario and streamline the evaluation process. However, ensure that technology aligns with participants' capabilities and doesn't overshadow the core objectives of the exercise.

How can I encourage active participation from all agencies while developing the MSEL?

Foster a collaborative planning process, involving representatives from each agency. Clearly communicate the value of each agency's contribution and emphasize the shared goal of improving overall emergency response capabilities. Actively seek input, and encourage agencies to bring their expertise to the table when customizing the MSEL.

Can the MSEL be used for tabletop exercises as well as full-scale drills?

Yes, the MSEL can be adapted for tabletop exercises, functional exercises, and full-scale drills. Adjust the level of complexity and the extent of participant engagement based on the exercise type. The MSEL serves as a versatile tool for testing various aspects of emergency management, from decision-making in a simulated environment to real-time, hands-on response scenarios.

What is the After-Action Review (AAR) process, and why is it crucial after using MSEL?

The AAR is a structured review process conducted after the exercise. It involves participants discussing what happened, why it happened, and how to improve. This feedback loop is crucial for identifying strengths, areas for improvement, and lessons learned, contributing to continuous enhancement of emergency response capabilities.

Page Last Updated : January 2, 2024

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