CAPTRS Pilots New Games for AMR and Emergency Management

This summer, CAPTRS developed and piloted two new games, expanding our portfolio of innovative games. The first game focuses on resource allocation, developing contingency plans and prioritizing to mitigate impact during an emergency situation. Players are confronted with a multi-day blackout in which complex cascading effects require immediate action. It is designed for emergency managers, federal and state officials, and first responder coordinators.

We piloted this game in Leiria, Portugal, with the Counselor for Civil Protection and two senior emergency managers from the local municipality. Participants were highly engaged, valuing the opportunity to hone critical skills in a risk-free environment. The full rollout is scheduled for the International Association of Emergency Managers Annual Conference and EMEX Exhibit in November.

The second game focuses on the significant challenges of antimicrobial resistance. This game aims to break down knowledge silos, integrating multidisciplinary knowledge, support policymaking at all levels and induce behavioral change. Players collaborate to create a cohesive model related to an AMR challenge they are presented with during the game.

We piloted the AMR game at the Task Force for Global Health in Atlanta, GA. Participants included experts from the CDC, Emory University, the University of Bristol, and Wilton Park. Observers from the Task Force for Global Health, CDC, and the UK Science and Innovation Network were also present.

The pilot validated our approach, with experts working towards a goal from AMR policy documents and exploring productive strategies. We are excited about the progress made and are confident that the improvements will make the game an even more effective tool for addressing AMR. We will be have several additional opportunities before the end of September to run this game with other groups, and look forward to sharing outcomes.