Course Tabletop Exercises Toolkit

Emergency preparedness is a crucial aspect of any organization’s risk management strategy. Being prepared for unforeseen events and crises can make a significant difference in minimizing potential damages and ensuring the safety and well-being of patients, staff, and visitors. One effective method for evaluating and strengthening emergency preparedness is conducting tabletop exercises. Tabletop exercises serve as a powerful tool to assess and enhance emergency preparedness and response measures.

The following toolkit provides a framework for conducting tabletop exercises (TTX). By simulating various emergency scenarios in a controlled and safe environment, departments can test and challenge their emergency response capabilities, enabling them to confidently respond during a real-world emergency.

Use this toolkit to strengthen your organization’s emergency preparedness, ensuring a coordinated, effective response in times of crisis. Download now and take proactive steps to enhance safety and resilience in your healthcare setting.

What Is Included

This comprehensive Tabletop Exercise Toolkit provides a structured framework for planning, conducting, and evaluating emergency preparedness exercises. Key components include:

• Planning Templates – Step-by-step guides for structuring effective TTX sessions

• Stakeholder Identification – Strategies for involving key personnel in emergency preparedness

• Scenario Development – Guidance on crafting realistic emergency situations

• Facilitation Techniques – Best practices for leading discussions and engaging participants

• Performance Assessment – Tools for post-exercise evaluation and continuous improvement

• After Action Reporting – Frameworks for documenting outcomes and implementing enhancements

Acknowledgements

Created by 

Children's Mercy Kansas City

Disseminated in Collaboration with the

Pediatric Pandemic Network

The Pediatric Pandemic Network is supported in part by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of cooperative agreements U1IMC43532 and U1IMC45814 with 0 percent financed with nongovernmental sources. The content presented here is that of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, visit HRSA.gov.

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