What is meant by "emergency operations center" (EOC)?

The term "emergency operations center" (EOC) refers to a centralized coordination location for emergency response. An EOC is established to support incident management and coordinate the response efforts throughout an emergency situation. It serves as a vital hub for gathering data, sharing information, and facilitating communication among various responding agencies and organizations.

The effectiveness of an EOC lies in its ability to bring together representatives from different sectors, such as public safety, public health, and government agencies, to collaborate on resource allocation, strategic planning, and operational logistics during an emergency. This centralized approach helps streamline decision-making processes, ensuring that all responders and support systems are aligned and working towards a common goal.

While a field command post is focused on immediate tactical operations at the scene, and patient triage and care sites address medical needs, the EOC encompasses a broader strategic function. Similarly, although debriefing sessions are essential for learning and improvement after an incident, they do not capture the primary role of an EOC during an emergency response. The unique function of the EOC is its centrality to coordinating and managing the overall response effectively.