 chapter summary preparations made ahead of a healthcare associated infection hai or antimicrobial resistant ar pathogen outbreak lay the groundwork for actions taken during the outbreak response in chapter 3 planning preparation we lay out the roles resources processes and relationships that should be in place prior to initiating an outbreak response example activities include developing the capacity to rapidly collect and analyze large amounts of information taking rapid action to stop transmission and communicating effectively with stakeholders background information on agencies and partners that may be involved in an outbreak response is provided and their respective roles and responsibilities are described including considerations for a coordinating agency and the composition of outbreak response teams other topics include planning and preparation for resource identification and record management communication considerations understanding legal authorities and preparation for escalation recovery and follow up including potential implementation of an incident command system 