Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
In planning, you address the need for first responders to perform a risk assess-
ment and to modify standard protocols (e.g., establish plans for inoculating first
responders) if the risk assessment indicates.
The planning should also address how such assessments are made and what
resources they may indicate are needed. The assessment may indicate monitoring
and sampling resources before federal resources can arrive.
Responders will also need appropriate PPE, including respirators. The plan-
ning process needs to address the availability of regional monitoring and sampling
capability and PPE.
A bioterrorism incident raises several other special issues. Such an incident may
generate an influx of patients requiring specialized care. If an infectious agent is
involved, it may be necessary to isolate the patients and use specials precautions to
avoid transmission of the disease to staff and other patients.
State planning should also consider the need to obtain and integrate supple-
mentary medical professionals and technicians who may be needed to respond to a
terrorist incident. In addition to physiological health consideration, planners should
take into account the need for mental health considerations in the consequence
management planning. Support must be provided not only to those individuals
directly affected by a terrorist attack, but also to those surviving family members
experiencing emotional stress.
Planning issues to consider include
◾
Immunization and prophylaxis for biological agents
◾
Notification to and receipt of information from doctors and clinics
◾
Augmentation of medical facilities and personnel
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Management of medical supplies and equipment
◾
Patient tracking and record keeping for augmentation of epidemiological ser-
vices and support
◾
Analytical laboratory support, including memorandums of understanding
(MOUs), specifying special considerations, as appropriate
◾
Mental health support services, including clinical psychologists, psychia-
trists, social workers, etc.
Resources Management
The following considerations are highly relevant to WMD incidents and should be
addressed, if appropriate, in one or more appendices to your resource management
annex:
◾
Nuclear, biological, and chemical response resources that are available
through interjurisdictional agreements.
