AGREEMENT WITH ESF-8

LERN is the “first call” help desk for ESF 8 application support for Louisiana’s ESF-8 Portal. The LERN Communication Center (LCC) phone number is the primary support request line – 1-866-320-8293.

The LCC assists hospitals (acute, psychiatric, specialty, rehab and LTAC), nursing homes and other providers with:

  • Lost portal user name/passwords
  • Requests for new portal accounts
  • Event instructions and facility reporting requirements
  • Basic portal application functions
LERN also serves as the “information coordinator” for unfolding events in Louisiana on a 24/7/365 basis. The LCC receives and distributes information on unfolding events using the ESF-8 Portal Messaging application working closely with the Designated Regional Coordinator (DRC) in the affected region to alert EMS and hospital personnel with details of the event.

LERN assists EMS at the scene of an incident by directing patients to area emergency departments based on resources at the scene, patient triage, and resources available at surrounding hospitals. Event information and patient movement is then relayed to the State’s Emergency Operations Center, DRC network, and ESF-8 officials.

Certain incidents that do not involve patients, including utility outages or severe weather related events, are also monitored and reported by the LCC via the ESF-8 Portal. Regional facilities and EMS agencies receive these alerts by text, phone, and email.