SES (Simulation Education Services) is a privately held company chartered in Texas that focuses on simulation exercises and training for the health sector.  SES has exercise and training affiliations that include Texas A&M and is partly owned by the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.   SES specializes in “desktop” exercises that are designed to satisfy certain Joint Commission disaster exercise requirements while providing continued education credits for selected participants.  These exercises have the added benefit in that they can  be managed without the disruption of public health or clinical services or the participating organization.   Desktop Exercises combine elements of a facilitated “tabletop” exercise with elements of functional exercise using distance education technologies and telecommunications.  Attendees may participate at their normal place of business (e.g., their desk) or within their designated emergency operations centers.   The two new offerings related to pandemic influenza exercise and training are listed below.  They were designed by Dr. Scott Lillibridge, Director, National Center for Emergency Medical Preparedness and Response at Texas A&M.  These programs can be organized with minimal lead time (2 weeks) and areeal for “end of year” preparedness activities.   Pandemic Flu Desktop Exercise Service Set Dr. Lillibridge has designed a “progressive” set of integrated pandemic influenza exercises that move the participant or organization from general preparedness to the development of specific knowledge and skills related to the management of a public health and medical emergency. In addition, specialized sessions are available that target the nursing staff, health care administrators, and disease control personnel.  This exercise program is organized into 8 separate 2-Hour “desktop” exercises and satisfies certain Joint Commission disaster exercise requirements while providing continued education credits for selected participants.  Such exercises can be managed without the disruption of public health or clinical services.      Public Health and Hospital Continuity of Operations Exercise and Training Service Set Dr. Scott Lillibridge has designed a program that will assist public health organizations to better prepare their plans and to develop procedures to continue critical operations amid adversity.  Specifically, these trainings and exercises are designed to ensure that essential public health and hospital services will continue during a catastrophe.  The leadership and communications component of this planning, training and exercise program will ensure that all personnel will be aware of their assigned COOP responsibilities and are better able to complete these tasks.   If you would like to observe any of these services or if you would like more information, please call (515) 321-7000  e-mail mgarvin@simulationed.com.