Disaster Logistics Management
VHA OEM Disaster Logistics Management is one part of the VHA's preparedness and emergency response functions, providing assistance to VA Medical Centers and VISNs in need of resources during an emergency. We manage, operate and maintain some of VHA's most high-level assets, coordinating equipment, materials and resources during an emergency response.
Fostering readiness, we work year-round to research, prepare, maintain and pre-stage equipment based on anticipated mission requirements. When the Emergency Management Coordination Cell is activated, logistics supports VA health care by acquiring supplies, materials, or other needed items for the response effort.
VHA OEM is responsible for the wide array of deployable assets and specialized equipment to ensure continuity of care for Veterans, regardless of the disaster impact. Examples of vehicles and shelters are provided below. These are used for internal VA response efforts and occasionally external state or federal response efforts when officially activated or requested through the proper process.
When needed, VHA OEM staff travels to the pre-staging or incident site to help set up and configure the needed equipment and support VA Medical Centers and VISNs as required.
Multi Use Vehicle
The Multi Use Vehicle (MUV) provides mobile office space, resilient communications, and an operational platform for up to six (6) people. Permits on-site leadership to conduct necessary tasks during an incident/event.
Mobile Support Unit
The Mobile Support Unit is a Recreational Vehicle (RV) type asset which is equipped with a small room in the rear of the vehicle and common area in the center. The MSU can provide operational workspace for up to two (2) personnel and is equipped with satellite communications, if needed. Because it is temperature controlled, medical supplies can be kept inside.
Mobile Emergency Nutrition Unit (MENU)
The MENU is a self-contained unit that operates on diesel generators, uses two 100-pound propane tanks, and has a 40-gallon potable water supply.
The unit's capacity is 425 meals per service and up to 1700 meals per day (four services for 24-hour operations). Meals include hot breakfast, hot or cold lunch, hot dinner, snacks and beverages.
Mobile Pharmacy Unit (MPU)
Mobile Pharmacy Units are self-contained and can be driven to the deployment site to function as an outpatient pharmacy within a few hours of set-up. Each asset is equipped with satellite connectivity and a diesel-powered generator.
Fold Out Rigid Tactical Shelter (FORTS)
The FORTS is a hard-sided structure that can be used as several different functions. The current model has a hard-solid wall that is down the center of the unit dividing the unit into two different rooms. There is a door that allows access from the outside of the unit on each space. The FORTS is usually deployed with the C-FORTS system and provides a waiting room for Veterans on one side and the other side can be utilized as the facility see fit.
Containerized FORTS (C-FORTS)
The C-FORTS is a hard-sided structure that is configured with three (3) exam rooms and an administrative (MSA) area. The C-FORTS is deployed with three exam tables, three self-contained sinks, three standing medical trays, three storage carts, three exam lights, three adjustable stools, and six folding chairs. All of this equipment is packaged and transported inside of the C-FORTS allowing for a more efficient deployment. All medical equipment and medical consumables are provided by the requesting facility. The footprint required to make this operational is approximately 30'x30'.
Soft Sided Isoloation Unit
The Isolation Unit is a soft sided shelter that provides up to 25 beds. It provides showers, sinks and toilets for each bed space. It also has the capability to provide both positive and negative air-pressure for the unit. This resource is versatile and can be set up in smaller sections or as the full 25 bed unit. The unit can be used as a vaccination clinic or billeting when omitting showers, sinks and toilets.
