ICEMA achievements – Welcome to San Bernardino County

Training session on emergency response hosted by ICEMA, with participants seated in groups, while presenters speak near a screen displaying the Emergency Operations Plan.

ICEMA held a training session with environmental health professionals in February 2025.

A group of people poses in front of a large beige modular shelter during a training session on setting up modular shelters for medical surges and emergencies. The tent is set up in a parking lot under a clear blue sky, with buildings and trees in the background.

ICEMA trains healthcare coalition members on setting up modular shelters for medical surges and emergencies.

In February 2025, the Inland Counties Emergency Medical Agency (ICEMA) made significant strides in strengthening emergency medical preparedness and response capabilities across San Bernardino County. ICEMA plays a crucial role in ensuring that local emergency medical services (EMS) and healthcare systems are well-equipped and prepared to effectively respond to emergencies and disasters.

Environmental Health training in emergency response

On Feb. 25 and 27, ICEMA collaborated with the county’s Department of Public Health and the Office of Emergency Services to support the California Department of Public Health’s Environmental Health Training in Emergency Response program. County representatives presented critical insights on emergency management to participants.

The program equips environmental health professionals with the skills to address environmental health concerns effectively during crises, including:

Water and food safety
Waste management
Responder safety
Vector control

HAM radio class for healthcare coalition members

On Feb. 18, ICEMA joined forces with San Bernardino County Human Services departments to host a HAM Radio training course for healthcare coalition members. The class provided essential education on radio theory, regulations and operational procedures, preparing participants to obtain their amateur radio licenses.

HAM radio operators offer critical communication support during emergencies, especially when traditional communication infrastructure is compromised, serving as a vital backup network for emergency management and response teams.

Family Assistance Center (FAC) tabletop exercise

On Feb. 25, San Bernardino County and Riverside County collaborated on a Family Assistance Center (FAC) tabletop exercise. FACs are resource centers that are coordinated with multiple departments, agencies and organizations to support families and individuals affected by mass-casualty incidents or other large-scale emergencies.

FACs played a critical role by:

Providing accurate and timely information to help families stay informed about the situation.
Offering emotional and mental health support, such as counseling or crisis intervention.
Assisting with logistical needs, including helping families locate or recover personal belongings and coordinating accommodations.
Facilitating the notification of family members’ status, especially when loved ones are missing, injured or deceased.

This joint tabletop exercise tested two FAC plans and provided an invaluable opportunity to identify gaps, strengthen coordination, and improve emergency response plans in preparation for real-world emergencies.

Hospital preparedness equipment training

On Feb. 26, ICEMA conducted hospital preparedness equipment training for members of the healthcare coalition, including hospital staff. The training focused on the proper handling and deployment of critical equipment used during medical surges or emergencies.

These trainings are conducted as part of the requirements for Hospital Preparedness Program grants, which aim to enhance the readiness of hospitals and healthcare systems during disasters. They ensure healthcare coalition members are equipped to rapidly and safely deploy resources, effectively managing increased patient care demands in emergency situations.

For more information about ICEMA’s initiatives and preparedness programs, visit icema.sbcounty.gov.

Additional County Update News – March 27, 2025