Surge Scramble: An Evaluation of Combining the Medical Response and Surge Exercise with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Pan Flu Scramble

This report analyzes how Hospital Preparedness Program funding recipients in Nebraska adapted the Center for Disease Control’s Pan Flu Scramble format to meet Medical Response and Surge Exercise (MRSE) requirements in the 2023-2024 fiscal year. By combining the MRSE and Pan Flu Scramble, the recipients created an in-person functional exercise format for the six Nebraska health care coalitions to test their respective chemical plans and the Health Care Crisis Protocol for the State of Nebraska. The report explains the design and conduct of the exercises and provides a comprehensive evaluation of the exercise design and conduct. This report will outline the methods, tools, and lessons learned to support the use of Surge Scrambles in other states to help meet the annual MRSE requirement.