NCJ Number
191285
Journal
Journal of the American Medical Association Volume: 278 Issue: 5 Dated: August 6, 1997 Pages: 362-368
Date Published
August 1997
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This document focuses on the local, State, and Federal response to incidents of chemical and biological terrorism.
Abstract
If a terrorist incident were to result in the release of a lethal chemical agent, local first-responders -- firefighters, police, paramedics -- would be the first to arrive on the scene. Local hospitals and health care workers would bear the immediate burden of treating casualties. If the consequences of a terrorist incident outstripped local capabilities, the State emergency management agency would be notified and begin support activities. In the event of an incident that exceeded local and State level response capabilities, Federal agencies would provide specialized teams and equipment to help manage the consequences of the attack and treat, decontaminate, and evacuate casualties. After learning that an incident of chemical or biological terrorism has occurred, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) would use its emergency powers to notify the President and seek a presidential disaster declaration. FEMA would also inform the Federal agencies and begin coordinating the delivery of Federal assistance. The Department of Health and Human Services is the lead agency under the Federal Response Plan for the provision of health, medical, and health-related social services. The Public Health Service would be primarily responsible for patient care, the delivery of medical equipment and supplies, health surveillance in the affected area, and managing the health consequences of environmental contamination. The Department of Defense would participate in the Federal response by providing technical assistance, bomb disposal, decontamination, security, and other services to Federal, State, and local authorities. Although the terrorism annex to the Federal Response Plan and the Domestic Preparedness Program provide a solid basis for enhancing the national health and medical services response, several important deficiencies remain to be addressed. These include more detailed coordination plans and distribution of appropriate detection equipment and protective gear for first-responders. 25 references